This month, we celebrate the Affordable Care Act (ACA) making a significant difference in the lives of millions of LGBTQ individuals and families. Many have benefited by getting health insurance, being covered as a family, and accessing covered health services, including transition-related care, for the first time. The ACA has helped LGBTQ people get the care they need as it includes protections from discrimination in health care and health insurance. However, the rules regarding transgender nondiscrimination are under attack; a court ruling and Trump Administration actions are eroding these protections. We are lucky to have strong protections at the state level in the Washington Law Against Discrimination. Please join us this month and remind the LGBTQ community to use their health insurance to get the care they need, and to not accept health discrimination. Seattle Pride events are scheduled throughout June.

The University of Washington (UW) and their union of graduate teaching assistants, researchers and employees reached agreement last weekend to improve wages and benefits, and avoid a strike. Among other elements in the agreement, the UW agreed to improve health care coverage for transgender students.