Description: In a recent FORGE survey, 97% of respondents said they were interested in working to increase trans rights. In this Ask The Experts, FORGE staffers Shelley Gregory and Loree Cook-Daniels, both long-time T/LGBQ activists, will address how you can join those who are working on pro-trans policy changes locally, statewide, and nationally. Come with your questions about how and where you can fit in. Handout of resources:  Download here   Presenters: Loree Cook-Daniels & Shelley Gregory Loree Cook-Daniels. Loree Cook-Daniels is the Policy and Program Director for FORGE, a Milwaukee-based national transgender and SOFFA (Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies) organization. Cook-Daniels has been a policy analyst and advocate for LGBT issues for more than 40 years, and began working on anti-violence issues in the 1980s. With degrees in Women’s Studies and Conflict Management and a Certificate in Trauma Counseling, Cook-Daniels provides training, technical assistance, and/or services to transgender sexual violence survivors and the […]

Description: Sex is a vitally important part of life for many of us. The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t stop the interest in connecting with people sexually.  Dr. Petroll will share trans-specific information about PrEP (how it might differ in its effectiveness and use for trans folks), as well as how we can practice COVID-19 SAFER sex, including sex with regular partners and hook ups. 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. Download handouts: PrEP: A Guide for for Trans Folks infographic Making Sex Safer During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A guide for trans folks ASL, Captions, and Trans/Queer-led Events will have an ASL interpreter and AI-generated closed captioning.  Please reach out with […]

Description: In part 2 of this 3-part series, Annie Lakatos, NP, will share her clinical experience in extensively working with trans men, trans-masculine, AFMAB individuals on their exploration and journey of using hormones (particularly testosterone) to feel more comfortable in their skin.  This session will cover how to get started, what to expect, effects and risks, and health maintenance.  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 space that is supportive and health-promoting for her patients. ASL, Captions, and Trans/Queer-led Events will have an ASL interpreter and AI-generated closed captioning.  Please reach out with any access needs. Support […]

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 […]