I want to shift the conversation to talk about how mental health providers can be helpful in supporting trans patients through the process of seeking and receiving gender-affirming medical care. As a health care system, we need to move away from gatekeeping based on gender narratives and toward a more client-centered, collaborative approach that focuses on informed consent.

I’m not saying this isn’t an authentic narrative for some, possibly many, trans people. It’s just that the people for whom this narrative does not apply are often excluded from gender-affirming health care—care that could provide them a better quality of life or even save their lives. These people are not members of the slam dunk club.