Greetings, all

Basking in the glow of what was, arguably, the most successful and certainly most well-attended symposium in its 43-year history, WPATH and its membership have much to be proud of. The venue in Montreal, camaraderie, quality of presentations, food, dancing (a WPATH tradition) and organizational details after what was a very long pandemic, were certainly welcome. Thanks to Veritas, the host and scientific committees and all of the support and hotel staff who made this possible.

As the first WPATH President with transfeminine experience, I am humbled but also determined that the ascendancy of trans persons within WPATH is just the beginning. On the other hand, I am not of the opinion that we can do better without cisgender allies. If there is a common thread that I believe we should all aspire to, it is unity of purpose. That unity of purpose must also invite global participation, vision and outreach—this means purposeful inclusion and broadening of perspective along with consideration of relevant perspectives wherever possible but with a TGD filter and an appreciation for intersectional blind spots.

The September 15 rollout of the SOC8 is also applauded. SOC8 is the most scientific and consensus-based guideline for the care of TGD persons in its history. The open comment period in December/January conveyed transparency and was followed by months of ongoing dialogue. Though some may express disappointment that specific ages were not included in the final version, the emphasis is placed once again upon individualized care.

We face great challenges going forward. While there exists today a deliberate strategy of conservative ideology whose aim is to roll back social justice gains for LGBTQI+ persons, the transgender community finds itself on the front lines of this battle. Although the attacks sustained thus far have been referred to as backlash, I believe the fuel for this antagonism is fear–fear on behalf of those who can be swayed by a purposeful ideology of regressive thinking.

We must overcome fear.

I am heartened to recall 1978. Anita Bryant–led attacks on gay rights were at their zenith. Following successful repeal of an anti-discrimination ordinance in Dade County, Florida and passage of similar measures in Arkansas and Oklahoma, California Proposition 6 (otherwise known as the Briggs’ Initiative), aimed to prevent gays and lesbians from teaching in public schools. By allowing teachers to be fired simply for being LGB, Proposition 6 reflected the contemporary view that children could be influenced by the presence of a gay teacher—as though being gay was a contagion. Sound familiar? Prop 6 was favored by nearly ⅔ of Californians as late as September 1978. Then, the opposition “No On 6” group implored the LGB community and its allies to emerge from the shadows, come out, tell their stories and educate the public. Harvey Milk was among the many leaders and politicians (including Republicans, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford) who spoke out against the proposition which was resoundingly defeated, a milestone in LGB history.

We must educate the public.

The onus of responsibility is upon us.

I am thrilled to be your president for the next two years. I welcome the challenges we face together. Questions and skepticism represent opportunities to explain. In that regard, I aspire to be the most transparent and communicative president in WPATH history, certainly a tall order. As I do for my patients (206-940-4484), you may contact me at any time with suggestions, questions, encouragement or thoughts of importance. I hope to speak with each of you individually, and to the world collectively. I also look forward to our business meeting later this fall and to your votes for the location of our next symposium in 2024.

In the meantime, please continue to do your life-saving work. We toil while on the right side of history—we all know that. Please do not be afraid to say so.

Sincerely,

Marci L. Bowers, MD