Poem: Just Another Asterisk

JUST ANOTHER ASTERISK

There are so many casualties

We're dying from neglect

As we fight a losing battle with healthcare

Finding care providers

That will treat us properly

Your stigmatizing treatments are unfair

Transitioning is critical

Affecting mental health

Not something cosmetic or a choice

Fighting with dysphoria

Can be life or death

But still we can't afford to pay invoice

Educated doctors

That are sensitive to our

Problems and our unique circumstance

Suicide and HIV

At epidemic rates

Yet you don't even give it a second glance

Insurance and health coverage

Put price tags on your life

And procedures that are pure necessities

The hurdles and the barriers

Forever in the way

This discrimination brings us to our knees

Out of reach financially

Doctors turning backs

Sexual and reproductive health at risk

Something has to change

This broken system doesn't work

Trans lives aren't just another asterisk.

Mikayla Cadger