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Description: Insurance policies can be complicated! One of the most common questions trans+/non-binary people ask FORGE and the Inclusion Clinic is whether their insurance policy will cover specific types of medical and mental health care.  This session will discuss how to find out what is covered under your insurance plan; how to work with your provider to properly code your visits so your care is covered; and how to advocate for yourselves and others when challenges arise. This session will include discussion about differences between Medicaid, Medicare, and private or other forms of insurance. Presenters: Joanna Woodbury and Shelley Gregory Joanna Woodbury Joanna Woodbury is an experienced Certified Social Worker and has worked in HIV care since 2007. Joanna joined Froedtert and the Medical College in 2010 and serves as the Social Services Program Manager overseeing social work, mental health and pharmacy services provided in the Inclusion Health and Infectious Disease Clinics. Joanna also provides […]

Description: Everyone feels the blues on occasion.  For some, the blues linger and may blossom into deeper depression and/or anxiety.  For some, the blues are situational and short-lived. For others, the blues may ebb and flow with political, personal, or social tides.  Join this session in exploring the different shades of blues and some strategies for changing your mood to a new color. Presenter: Joanna Woodbury and Carolyn Wesolowski Joanna Woodbury Joanna Woodbury is an experienced Certified Social Worker and has worked in HIV care since 2007. Joanna joined Froedtert and the Medical College in 2010 and serves as the Social Services Program Manager overseeing social work, mental health and pharmacy services provided in the Inclusion Health and Infectious Disease Clinics. Joanna also provides social services for Froedtert and the Medical College’s PrEP and Inclusion clinics. Joanna is a leader in HIV care and prevention social work and is responsible for the development and expansion […]

Description: In the last of this 3-part series, Annie Lakatos, NP, will share her clinical experience in extensively working with non-binary, AFAB, AMAB, genderqueer, gender expansive, and agender individuals in using hormones to affirm and align their gender identity and expression.  While many non-binary+ individuals may not want to pursue hormones, some do.  This session will explore the nuances of understanding what hormones might do to support a non-binary person’s identity, discuss decision-making and getting started, as well as look at effects, risks and health maintenance of using hormones.  Bring your questions. Everyone is welcome! Presenter: Annie Lakatos, NP Annie Lakatos has been a nurse practitioner since 2009 and works at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin in the Inclusion Health Clinic and the General Internal Medicine Clinic. She provides primary care, hormone replacement therapy and PrEP alongside preventive care and education. She is passionate about making each patient feel welcome and creating a […]

Description: Harry Benjamin. Truman Capote. Elliot Blackstone. Donald Laub. Sandy Stone. You may have heard of one or two of them; Lynn Genevieve Alcorn (“Gen”), now 72, met them all. Come hear about the colorful life of one of the pioneering clients of the Stanford Gender Clinic. Bring your questions about “life back then.” ASL, Captions, Recordings, and Trans/Queer-led. Events will have an ASL interpreter and CART closed captioning.  Please reach out with any access needs. This event will be recorded and archived. Support focused groups are trans and queer led. ABOUT events FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic have created a series of events for trans+/non-binary community members, loved ones, and supporters, to come together for support, connection, learning, and empowerment.  Participants will have the opportunity to find community, feel less isolated, and learn new skills and information. Initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many topics focus […]

Description: Sex, hooking up, and sex work can be more complicated in the age of COVID-19.  Many trans folks yearn for intimate contact with existing partners, new sexual hook ups, as well as connections of sex for survival.  This session will provide practical tips for increasing safety AND empowering people to get their sexual and sex work needs met. Presenter: Andrew Petroll, MD, MS Dr. Petroll is an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin.  He is an Infectious Disease specialist and also serves as the Medical Director of the Froedtert & MCW Inclusion Health Clinic, an outpatient clinic designed to provide affirming and excellent care to the LGBTQ community. ASL, Captions, Recordings, and Trans/Queer-led. Events will have an ASL interpreter and CART closed captioning.  Please reach out with any access needs. This event will be recorded and archived. Support focused groups are trans and queer led. ABOUT events FORGE and Froedtert & the […]

Description: Are you ready to vote? Join us to talk about voting issues in Wisconsin for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming voters, including making your plan to vote, helping other community members vote, and ensuring that your vote actually counts! Presenter: Shelley Gregory (they/them or any pronouns). Bio:  Shelley Gregory (they/them or any pronouns). Shelley is a trans human, activist, and advocate, and the Strategic Project Coordinator for FORGE. Shelley has worked actively in the LGBTQI+ community for over 25 years and began to focus their work on advocacy for transgender and non-binary folx nearly two decades ago. Their background is as a civil rights lawyer. Shelley continually aims to contribute to improving quality of life for trans and non-binary individuals and increasing our inclusion in society. Shelley presently assists survivors of violence through individual advocacy and peer support, as well as policy development and public education. ASL, Captions, Recordings, and Trans/Queer-led. Events will have […]

Description: There are all kinds of relationships.  All of them need care, nurturing, and some work to blossom.  This session will focus on creating and maintaining meaningful relationships – of all kinds.  We’ll focus on learning how to improve active listening skills, communicating clearly, getting what you need, and action steps that will strengthen your budding and long-term relationships and friendships. Presenters: Joanna Woodbury & Carolyn Wesolowski Joanna Woodbury Joanna Woodbury is an experienced Certified Social Worker and has worked in HIV care since 2007. Joanna joined Froedtert and the Medical College in 2010 and serves as the Social Services Program Manager overseeing social work, mental health and pharmacy services provided in the Inclusion Health and Infectious Disease Clinics. Joanna also provides social services for Froedtert and the Medical College’s PrEP and Inclusion clinics. Joanna is a leader in HIV care and prevention social work and is responsible for the development and expansion of social […]

Description: Got questions about your legal rights? Join us for Q&A about general legal information for trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming residents of Wisconsin. We’ll discuss topics like name/gender marker changes, health care, employment and housing, civil rights and more. Bring your questions!   Zoom link https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/99426809425 Use computer audio or dial in: +1 929 205 6099  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 994 2680 9425   Presenter: Shelley Gregory (they/them or any pronouns). Bio:  Shelley is a trans human, activist, and advocate, and the Strategic Project Coordinator for FORGE. Shelley has worked actively in the LGBTQI+ community for over 25 years and began to focus their work on advocacy for transgender and non-binary folx nearly two decades ago. Their background is as a civil rights lawyer. Shelley continually aims to contribute to improving quality of life for trans and non-binary individuals and increasing our inclusion in society. Shelley presently […]