In recognition of International Non-Binary People's Day (July 14), hosts Kalen and Karen welcome guest Ava Davis, a forensic teaching associate, actress, writer, and Sundance fellow. Ava joins us for this Part 1 of a crucial two-part series on providing gender-affirming care for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming patients in forensic nursing settings. This episode explores the significant rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, the increased vulnerability of gender-diverse populations to violence, and the essential role forensic nurses play in creating safe, inclusive healthcare environments. With notable statistics and practical guidance, we emphasize that gender-affirming care isn't extra—it's essential healthcare.

Don’t miss Part 2 of this conversation! Subscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app to get notified when Part 2 is live.

Key Episode Learnings:

• Learn the power of simple actions: Discover how introducing yourself with pronouns and wearing inclusive symbols can create immediate safety for gender-diverse patients
• Uncover the healthcare avoidance crisis: Why have almost 1 in 4 trans individuals avoided healthcare in the past?
• Explore a unique trauma-informed approach: Learn how Ava's #1 rule of acting also applies to trauma-informed nursing care.
• Discover intersectionality impacts: Learn how multiple identity aspects (race, gender, sexuality) compound safety concerns and healthcare barriers
• Master the essential terminology: Learn the clear definitions of transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and cisgender to communicate effectively

Registration for #IAFN2025 Omaha International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice is still open! Learn more and register here before the pre- and post-workshop seats fill up: forensicnurses.org/2025conference

Episode Resources:

• 2022 U.S. Trans Survey: https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/USTS_2022Health%26WellbeingReport_WEB.pdf
• World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH): https://wpath.org/
• National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/
• Gender Dysphoria Bible: https://genderdysphoria.fyi/en/physical-dysphoria
• The Genderbread Person: https://www.samkillermann.com/work/genderbread-person/
• The Safe Zone Project: https://thesafezoneproject.com/
• United States v. Skrmetti Case: https://transequality.org/news/trans-healthcare-supreme-court-explaining-united-states-v-skrmetti

IAFN Resources

• IAFN Online Learning Center (OLC): forensicnurses.org/page/OLCAccess/
• TeleSAFE Toolkit: Access this Step-by-Step Guide to a Trauma-Informed Program at forensicnurses.org/page/TeleSAFE/
• International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN): Learn more at forensicnurses.org
• IAFN Foundation: Support our work to spread forensic nursing at fundforensicnursing.org
• IAFN’s SAFEta Resources: Explore safeta.org
• National Tribal Clearinghouse on Sexual Assault (NTCSA): Supporting tribal communities at supportingourcircle.org

Join the Conversation
Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Send us a voice message on our website at forensicnurses.org/podcast/ Let’s make this podcast a resource tailored to YOU!

Connect with Us

• Website: Forensic Nurses
• Instagram: @iafn_forensicnurses
• IAFN Membership
• Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter

Don’t Miss a Single Episode!

Stay tuned for more forensic nursing stories, expert insights, groundbreaking research, and discussions that go beyond the evidence. Subscribe to this podcast in your favorite podcast app to get notified of the new episodes and don’t miss a step on this journey!