Over the Binary (OTB) | Episode 9 | It’s a Really Good Time to Speak with Marci Bowers, M.D.

Dr. Marci Bowers began working with the trans community in the mid-1990’s, prior to her transition. Flash forward to today, she is a well-known pioneer in the field of gender-affirming surgery, the first transgender woman to perform such surgeries. 

In addition to her work as a physician/surgeon, Marci is the current President of WPATH, the first transgender woman to hold the post, and also serves on the Board of Directors for The Trevor Project. Previously, she has served on the Boards of GLAAD and the Transgender Law Center. Over the years, Dr. Bowers has been called upon — or been the subject of — numerous documentaries, interviews, news reports, and articles.

Marci and podcast co-host Casey Weitzman, the President and Founder of Gender Wellness of Los Angeles, have been friends and colleagues for over 10 years. All (above) things considered, it’s no wonder that OTB, Episode 9 took lots of twists and turns. Even after editing, it runs a little longer than expected, so we’ve outlined the episode to help you navigate the range of topics discussed.

CHAPTER 1 (6:21)
Trans-Surgical History Gives Way to Progress
Marci’s time in Trinidad, Colorado — dubbed the “sex change capital of the world” — which began in 2003, before her move to the West Coast which led to further development of gender-affirming surgery programs.
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CHAPTER 2 (16:37)
The Science of WPATH
As President, Marci talks is emphatic that WPATH “is as science-based as any organization that I've ever been a part of.”
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CHAPTER 3 (20:40)
Informed by DSM & Informed Consent
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a formal classification of mental health disorders, featuring symptoms, diagnostic criteria, culture and gender-related features, and other important diagnostic information. Recent updates to the DSM, regarding care for gender-diverse folks, are discussed as Marci resoundingly states that GAS patients need to “do your research.” 
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CHAPTER 4 (28:17)
The Plight of Gender-Diverse Youth
Questions about the writings of Abigail Shrier direct the conversation towards thoughts about appropriate care for trans youth, the fear and doubt of parents, puberty blockers, and more.
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CHAPTER 5 (40:43)
The Importance of Mental Health
A transition involves much more than just physical transformation, and mental health guidance along the way is paramount to one’s journey.
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CHAPTER 6 (46:51)
A Vagina Dialogue: Vaginoplasty

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Presented by Gender Wellness of Los Angeles, OTB is a podcast hosted by Casey Weitzman, MA, LMFT and Grace O’Connor, MA, LMFT. Casey and Grace are sometimes be joined by a variety of guests to discuss topics designed that expand the collective understanding — and raise awareness — of issues important to transgender, gender diverse, and gender nonbinary people. OTB may also be streamed from popular podcast platforms like Audible and Apple Podcasts.