The Center for Applied Transgender Studies is proud to host the first event in its 2024 Distinguished Lecture Series. Events in the series feature world-leading transgender scholars discussing their own original research with a broad audience of scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and interested laypersons. These events are virtual, free to attend, and open to the public.

This lecture will be given by stef shuster, and will present work from their recent book Trans Medicine: The Emergence and Practice of Treating Gender (New York University Press, 2021). The event will also include a moderated discussion with CATS Senior Fellow Avery Everhart.

Drawing on interviews with medical providers who work with transgender and nonbinary patients, stef shuster examines how providers manage challenges to their expertise, given the prevalent uncertainty they experience in this medical field. shuster found that providers often rely on cultural norms and gut instincts to craft their treatment plans, interact with patients, and make medical decisions. But providers are not a homogenous group. Some took on an “uncertain expert” stance by leaning into the uncertainty pervasive in trans medicine and flexible in their approach to care delivery. Others took on a “self-assured expert” stance by doubling-down on their authority and the need for patients to convince them that they were “really” trans. As a consequence of these various strategies, providers may unintentionally perpetuate healthcare inequities.

The talk will take place from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Central Standard Time.

To register for the lecture, visit: https://cats.events/shuster