Sasha Cohen

Presented by: Zoë Poulette

Somatics offers a different kind of lens into trans embodiment: the first-person perspective. By definition, trans people sense things that transcend standardized categories, and somatics is about supporting that emergence. What becomes possible when we view the body not as singular thing that can be charted and categorized, but as a collection of psycho, social, and historical forces? This presentation will provide a brief overview of the field of somatics, practical applications for trans clients, simple ways to incorporate a "somatic view" into any healthcare practice, and a brief example of a somatic practice for participants to experience.

Presented by: Corrine Buchanan, Ph.D., LMHC, LMFT, NCC

This presentation draws from my dissertation, A Hermeneutic Photography Study of Trans Women and Trans Femme Geeks’ Queer Joy, to explore how joy functions as a healing and identity-affirming force within marginalized communities. Using photography and narrative, the study illuminates the lived experiences of trans women and trans femme geeks, highlighting how creativity, fandom, and community foster resilience and belonging.

Attendees will learn how these findings can inform clinical practice, provider education, and community advocacy by centering joy - not just distress - as a therapeutic and cultural resource. The session will translate research insights into practical strategies for building affirming spaces, reducing harm caused by gatekeeping and exclusion, and supporting gender- diverse individuals in both health care and community contexts.

Moderated by Carlos Hernandez, PhD, LMHC

Presented by Ezra Stone, LCSW, Jasmine Angelini-Knoll, Avin Posen

This presentation will highlighting the ways in which gender affirming care extends outside the clinic doors and is a communal, collective practice. Participants will learn about the necessity for culturally competent and inclusive support for trans and nonbinary individuals in areas such as recreation, personal style, and peer support.

Presented by Simone Chriss, JD

Civil rights attorney Simone Chriss will provide updates on the legal rights of transgender clients/patients in the current landscape of anti-trans state and federal laws, and will educate provider participants on their rights in the provision of gender-affirming services to the trans community in Florida. This presentation will also cover the recent state and federal laws, policies, rules, and Executive Orders impacting trans rights, the status of the litigation challenging these anti-trans measures, and resources to share with clients/patients who are struggling in this hostile climate.

Presented by Sasha Cohen, FNP-C, AAHIVS

This presentation aims to imagine a framework for providing gender-affirming care that centers fostering wellness in TGNB patients rather than the more traditional pathology-based models that have been prevalent. In order to understand how our current model of GAC developed we will explore the historical roots of this care and the evolution of GAC over time. The presentation will encourage clinicians to examine their ethos in approaching this work and commit to empowering their TGNB patients on their transition journey.

Presented by Sasha Cohen, FNP-C, AAHIVS

This presentation will review foundational aspects of prescribing gender-affirming hormone therapy including physiology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, taking an appropriate history of gender identity and the medication options for TGNB patients initiating GAHT.