In this piece, physician-researcher Laura Targownik emphasizes the urgent need for discussions around gender identity and male violence, suggesting that the community of trans people and their supporters should take the lead in these dialogues. Drawing from her expertise in epidemiology, she notes that health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can reveal broader societal patterns and highlight disparities faced by marginalized groups, including trans individuals.

Targownik reflects on her own experiences and the significant challenges faced by the trans community, particularly in terms of violence and discrimination. She asserts that these challenges require an intersectional approach, one that acknowledges how gender identity intersects with other factors like race, class, and immigration status. By highlighting the links between health outcomes and social determinants, she advocates for policies that address both health disparities and the safety of trans individuals.

The author calls for collaborative efforts where allies, especially within the medical community, advocate for change and support the trans community in achieving both health equity and safety. This, she argues, is essential for fostering a more inclusive society where everyone's rights and well-being are prioritized.