Dr. Tracey Kurtzman a practicing pediatrician in the Tucson area, was our special guest at our meeting on Friday, March 29. About 60 members were in attendance. Dr. Kurtzman is an expert in the field of providing care to children who are struggling to find their gender identity. These include children who feel they have a different sexual identity than the one they were assigned at birth and children who feel they do not fit our culture’s definition of male or female. New research is leading to new treatments and ways of helping the patients. This is a complex, and fascinating issue because it highlights issues regarding sex and gender that all of us face.
Dr. Kurtzman discussion the importance of understanding that our western culture is just one way a society deals with sexuality, and that other cultures define male and female quite differently. She also delved into the complex question of what is sexuality and gender. When asked why she has developed expertise in this area, Dr. Kurtzman cited an important statistic: Over 40 percent of youth who identify as transgender have attempted suicide. This population is underserved and needs understanding and compassion, and good medical treatment based on science, not fear or misunderstanding.
Dr. Tracey Kurtzman is a pediatrician who she cares for young patients and teaches medical students and resident physicians. A native Arizonan, Dr. Kurtzman attended the University of Arizona for her bachelors and master’s degrees. Since 2015, she has specialized in gender-affirming care of transgender youth. Dr. Kurtzman is happily married with two grown kids, two old dogs and numerous struggling house plants. She is proud to live in Tucson surrounded by the beauty of the Sonoran desert.
GLAAS is a club of about 150 members that is open to all SaddleBrooke Residents. Membership is $15 per year. We are a welcoming place for all LGBTQ persons and their Allies. For more information, send an email to glaasclub@gmail.com or go to our website at glaasclub.com.
