The Transgender Experience

Title of Event: The Transgender Experience

Description of Event:

Transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) people continue to experience oppression and discrimination in the United States, including through legislation (ACLU,2026) and within mental health care systems (e.g., Nguyen & Loopuijt, 2025). Research indicates that TGNB individuals may experience discrimination, stigma, and microaggressions in therapy and other healthcare settings (Hunsicker et al., 2024). At the same time, while sexuality is an essential aspect of human experience, mental health professionals continue to receive inadequate education and training related to sexuality and sexual health and wellness. The lack of education and limited opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to address sexual issues in clinical settings contributes to the poor outcomes in treatment for TGNB clients (Abbott et al., 2021).

This webinar will feature a panel of three transgender individuals who will share their personal experiences navigating identity, relationships, sexuality, and mental healthcare. Through their life stories and reflections, the goal is to provide an opportunity to deepen the participants’ understanding of the lived experiences of TGNB people and to consider how those experiences may intersect with clinical practice. Panelists Jameson and Shannon are licensed mental health professionals in a group private practice specializing in services for the LGBTQ+ community. Emma previously practiced law as an attorney and partner before transitioning to her current role as Director of Gender Nexus, a non-profit organization in Indianapolis that provides advocacy, support, and an inclusive space for gender-diverse individuals and their families. Rather than presenting a single or universal TGNB experience, this panel will highlight the diversity and complexity in the TGNB community. Participants will be challenged to reflect on their own clinical assumptions and practices, and consider a more affirming, culturally responsive, intersectional, sex-positive approach to working with the TGNB community. Additionally, the gender-affirmative life span approach (GALA) a therapeutic framework for promoting the mental health of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) clients of all ages will be reviewed.

Start Date: 12-09-2026

End Date: 12-09-2026

Time of Event: 10am-12pm CT

Location: Online and recorded

Sexuality Education (SE) Training:

SE-B. Theory and methods of sexuality education (including curriculum development, delivery and evaluation).

Sexuality Counseling (SC) Training:

SC-B. Theory and methods of sexuality counseling approaches to specific populations (e.g., youth, older adult, couples, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, ethnic/ cultural/ faith-based populations).

Presenter/Speaker: Frances McClain, PhD, LCPC (Host), Jameson Pagano, LCPC (Panelist), Shannon Lane, LCSW, CADC (Panelist), Emma Vosicky, JD, MAT (Panelist)

Main Contact: Chris Whitt

Contact Email: cwhitt@thechicagoschool.edu

Event Website: https://tcsppofficeofce.com/dec_9_2026/

AASECT Approved CEs: 2