A few exciting developments for me over the last week or so.
I've been very actively advocating for better healthcare benefits for trans people at my firm. My firm has been a truly wonderful and supportive ally since I had a "soft" coming out nearly 2 years ago to just the Partners heading HR and DE&I, but once I came out fully last year the support has been overwhelming. Even got a phone call from the CEO. The ONE area they've been lacking is having decent healthcare for trans people. They seemed genuinely surprised that the current plans were awful and expressed that they thought FFS etc was covered. They began a long undertaking to explore moving to a "self funded" plan that would add additional coverages.
I'd been trying to stay optimistic despite my nature as a pessimist, my mind telling they're just blowing smoke and giving me the run around. I'd emailed weekly for nearly a year now and kept getting "we're working on it and will let you know...."
Anyway, finally last week I had a Zoom call with one of the senior benefits people and he told me we now have a plan that is self funded and wholly in line with WPATH 8! My FFS will be covered. A BBL, Liposculpting, all hair removal, etc etc etc is all covered 100% in network and 70% out of network. I broke down in tears on the call. I am so grateful to work at a company like this, that puts its money where it's mouth is.....especially after the HRC completely shafted us on the Corporate Equality Index this year by handing out 100s like candy without so much as a promise to include WPATH 8 on any reasonable timeline.
Secondly, I was able to secure Erin Reed to come speak at my firm during a Price event my ERG will host. If any of you follow her work, you know how valuable it is. If you don't, you should. Just google her name.
Anyway that's it for me. Now back to this wild SoCal rainy day. My town has had 8 inches of rain in the last 24 hours, no joke. Naturally our CA 'leaders' will allow it all to flow to the sea and in 2 months we'll be under water restrictions again.