Beyond the Binary: The Need for Gender-Affirming Care in Forensic Nursing (Part 1 with Ava Davis)

In recognition of International Non-Binary People's Day (July 14), hosts Kalen and Karen welcome guest Ava Davis, a forensic teaching associate, actress, writer, and Sundance fellow. Ava joins us for this Part 1 of a crucial two-part series on providing gender-affirming care for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming patients in forensic nursing settings. This episode explores the significant rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, the increased vulnerability of gender-diverse populations to violence, and the essential role forensic nurses play in creating safe, inclusive healthcare environments. With notable statistics and practical guidance, we emphasize that gender-affirming care isn't extra—it's essential healthcare. 

Don’t miss Part 2 of this conversation! Subscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app to get notified when Part 2 is live.

Key Episode Learnings:

• Learn the power of simple actions: Discover how introducing yourself with pronouns and wearing inclusive symbols can create immediate safety for gender-diverse patients
• Uncover the healthcare avoidance crisis: Why have almost 1 in 4 trans individuals avoided healthcare in the past?
• Explore a unique trauma-informed approach: Learn how Ava's #1 rule of acting also applies to trauma-informed nursing care.
• Discover intersectionality impacts: Learn how multiple identity aspects (race, gender, sexuality) compound safety concerns and healthcare barriers
• Master the essential terminology: Learn the clear definitions of transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and cisgender to communicate effectively

Registration for #IAFN2025 Omaha International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice is still open! Learn more and register here before the pre- and post-workshop seats fill up: forensicnurses.org/2025conference

Episode Resources:

• 2022 U.S. Trans Survey: https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/USTS_2022Health%26WellbeingReport_WEB.pdf
• World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH): https://wpath.org/
• National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/
• Gender Dysphoria Bible: https://genderdysphoria.fyi/en/physical-dysphoria
• The Genderbread Person: https://www.samkillermann.com/work/genderbread-person/
• The Safe Zone Project: https://thesafezoneproject.com/
• United States v. Skrmetti Case: https://transequality.org/news/trans-healthcare-supreme-court-explaining-united-states-v-skrmetti

IAFN Resources

• IAFN Online Learning Center (OLC): forensicnurses.org/page/OLCAccess/
• TeleSAFE Toolkit: Access this Step-by-Step Guide to a Trauma-Informed Program at forensicnurses.org/page/TeleSAFE/
• International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN): Learn more at forensicnurses.org
• IAFN Foundation: Support our work to spread forensic nursing at fundforensicnursing.org
• IAFN’s SAFEta Resources: Explore safeta.org
• National Tribal Clearinghouse on Sexual Assault (NTCSA): Supporting tribal communities at supportingourcircle.org

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