The Violence of Gender Essentialism: How Law Determines the Health of Gender Diverse People

This event examined the ways that gender and racial essentialism are embedded in legal environments worldwide, jeopardizing the health and safety of gender-diverse people. Panelists mapped the connections between legal environments, care seeking, and health outcomes — highlighting prevailing legislative gaps, limits, and opportunities to contest gender essentialism in public health. 

Speakers:

• Victor Madrigal-Borloz, Eleanor Roosevelt Senior Visiting Researcher and Lecturer on Law, Harvard University Law School
• Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health; Co-Chair, O’Neill-Lancet Commission on Racism, Structural Discrimination, and Global Health
• Dr. Chamindra Weerawardhana, Founder and Trustee, Consortium for Intersectional Justice; Commissioner, O’Neill-Lancet Commission on Racism, Structural Discrimination, and Global Health

Moderated by: Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane, South African Lawyer and Social Justice Activist; Commissioner, O’Neill-Lancet Commission on Racism, Structural Discrimination, and Global Health