Host Will Dean welcomes Stassia Underwood, a trans navigator with Transgender Health and Wellness Center, for a conversation about affirming care, community connection, and support for transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals. Stassia explains the role of a trans navigator, discusses barriers many people face when seeking healthcare and mental health services, and shares how isolation and lack of resources impact the transgender community. The episode also highlights the center’s expanding programs, including peer support groups, youth services, Trans and Non-Binary Tuesdays, and the upcoming Pink Ball celebration. Stassia reflects on what motivates her advocacy work and why creating safe, welcoming spaces remains essential in today’s political climate and healthcare landscape for all communities.

Takeaways:

• Trans navigators help connect transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals to affirming resources and care.
• Community connection plays a major role in improving mental health and wellbeing.
• Many transgender individuals face isolation, rejection, and barriers to healthcare access.
• Access to affirming specialists and transition-related services remains limited in many areas.
• Peer support groups and social programs create safe, welcoming environments for connection.
• The Transgender Health and Wellness Center continues expanding services across Southern California.
• Youth-focused programs provide affirming spaces tailored to transgender and non-binary youth.
• Advocacy, visibility, and storytelling help strengthen and empower the transgender community.

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