As a physician I have had the unique privilege of caring for genderqueer members of my community for nearly a decade. But as a Panamanian-American, my appreciation for gender diversity can be traced back millennia.

As we prepare to celebrate 250 years of national independence, it is worth pausing to remember that for over 20,000 years, thousands of distinct tribal nations flourished on the very land we now call home. Early European explorers identified new plants, animals, languages, and cultures very different from their own. They were introduced to gender diversity, with indigenous societies acknowledging between 3-5 gender roles. In modern times, the pan-indigenous umbrella term “two-spirit” is used to describe indigenous Americans who embody both masculine and feminine traits. The Navajo refer to Nádleehí (the one who is transformed), while the Lakota use the term Winkté (a man who behaves as a woman), just to name a few.

Panama is home to seven recognized indigenous peoples: Ngäbe, Buglé, Guna, Emberá, Wounaan, Naso Tjër Di, and Bribri. Together, these groups account for 17% of the population and reside in autonomous territories called comarcas, which make up ¼ of the total land mass. The Wigudun are special members of Guna society, identified by their unique gender and sexuality. The Wigudun derive their name from the Guna origin story of three siblings sent to populate the world: Ibeorgun, Giggadiryai, and Wigudun. Iberogun did the hunting and farming, while Giggadiryai performed the sewing and cooking. Wigudun was special – he spent his days helping iberogun, and her evenings inside with Giggadiryai. Exhibiting both masculine and feminine spirits, the descents of Wigudun remain integral members of Guna society today.

Modern transgender Americans represent only 1% of the US population, yet remain a central focus of political discourse.

Recent federal directives have rolled back years of progress in civil rights and protections, preventing transgender Americans from serving in the military, accessing life-saving healthcare, and properly identifying themselves on passports and other government ID. A scapegoat for the political culture wars meant to distract Americans from the real issues at hand, transgender individuals are vilified each day. As a physician, these new regulations have impacted my ability to care for some of the most vulnerable members of my community.

In 1979, the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) published its first set of evidence-based treatment guidelines titled “Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender-Nonconforming People.” Every day, physicians across the world rely on science and compassion in caring for this population. I encourage my neighbors to open their hearts and minds, and reject transphobia. Happy Pride.

DR. NATASHA ALLIGOOD-PERCOCO

Williamsport

Submitted by email