Meet Zander

Zander (they/them) is a nonbinary person living in a conservative, anti-trans area of Tennessee where many local doctors will not listen to or respectfully treat fem-presenting or disabled patients. They avoid seeking care through insurance-covered providers out of fear of being mistreated and of negative notes going into their medical record. Telehealth is the most realistic path to care, but those services require large up-front payments or copays that are out of reach.

Unemployed because of disability and enrolled as a full-time student, Zander can only work part time and has no financial cushion. With rising housing and living costs, paying out of pocket for HRT is not possible, and even insurance-based care would likely leave them with unaffordable copays. “I’m terrified that I won’t be able to start HRT and at least get the lasting effects before Tennessee takes away my access altogether,” they shared.