Taboo Science

Trans 101: Finding Healthcare That Won't Kill You

December 11, 2025·37 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Here's a wild statistic: nearly a quarter of trans people in the U.S. avoid going to the doctor specifically because they expect to be disrespected. And honestly? They're probably right. In this episode of Taboo Science, we're pulling back the curtain on a healthcare system that requires trans patients to prove they're "really trans," charges thousands of dollars for basic care, and somehow graduates doctors who've never learned how to treat trans bodies. You'll hear from sociologist stef shuster about the folklore of trans medicine that doctors still believe, psychologist Stephanie Budge about the critical difference between over-emphasizing and under-emphasizing gender in treatment, and comedian Max Gross about what it's like to be your own medical educator at every single appointment. This episode is not gonna make you like your insurance company, but I promise there's hope at the end.  More from stef shuster: Website: http://stefshuster.com/ Buy their book: https://nyupress.org/9781479899371/trans-medicine/ More from Max Gross: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxgotjokes/ See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/trans-101-finding-healthcare-that-wont-kill-you/ Connect with the show: Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscience Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/  Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of Taboo Science and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.