Pitt Debate Team to Host Panel: “What does it mean to be trans and why does it matter? A discussion across disciplinary boundaries”

PITTSBURGH—On Thursday, March 29 at 6 pm in Ballroom B of the University Club, invited guests will engage in a dialogue and debate about the past, present, and future of advocacy for trans health concerns. Bringing together medical practitioners, scholars in the humanities, and community activists, the event seeks to highlight both challenges and opportunities for speaking across disciplinary boundaries in support of healthcare access for transgender persons. Panelists include:

  • Kristen Eckstrand, MD, PhD; UPMC and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
  • Morgan Faeder, MD, PhD; UPMC and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
  • Cori Frazer; Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy
  • Sandra Lynn Nelson; University of Pittsburgh Departments of English and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS)
  • Marty Seltman, MD; Metro Community Health Center
  • Ciora Thomas; SisTers PGH, Proud Haven, and Pittsburgh LGBTQIA Advisory Council

The event is free and open to the public. Gender-neutral restrooms are available at the venue. Complementary food and beverage will be served prior to the event.

The event is sponsored by the William Pitt Debating Union, which is housed in the Department of Communication at the University of Pittsburgh. It is part of the Marcella L. Finegold Memorial Public Debate Series, which funds conversations on issues of concern both to the university community and the broader public. This will be the kickoff event for the third Finegold topic area, “Addressing Inequality.” Previous topic areas were “The Future of Pittsburgh” and “Healthcare Issues.”