On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the George Washington University Doctor of Occupational Therapy program’s Equity Committee hosted an intensive, in-person event designed to equip future healthcare professionals with the practical tools necessary to provide high-quality, gender-affirming care.
Led by Danielle Centi, DrOT, OTR/L, FAOTA, CBIS, TIE (known as @Dr.D_TheSexOT) alongside a passionate cohort of current OTD students, the workshop moved beyond theoretical frameworks and focused on the communication, assistive technology, and the nuanced support of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The event utilized an interactive "passport" system, where attendees traveled through various stations, receiving stamps as they mastered different aspects of gender-affirming practice.
"Gender-affirming care is not talked about enough in PT/OT practice," noted Doctor of Physical Therapy student Joyce, reflecting on the necessity of the event. “I feel like we learned a lot of really cool stuff here, today.”
The stations provided a deep dive into the specialized equipment and clinical reasoning required for diverse patient populations:
- Sexuality and Intimacy: Second-year OTD student Kylah Maxwell guided peers through tools like pelvic wands for releasing internal muscle tightness and silicone "bumpers" designed to limit penetration depth, ensuring comfort and safety during intimate activities.
- Period Care and Post-Surgical Considerations: Second-year OTD student Yewande Sofola demonstrated the "Tina," a tampon insertion aid. "This can help individuals who only have the use of one arm or experience weakness," she explained. "You’re able to insert a tampon using just one hand," highlighting how gender-affirming care intersects with traditional physical rehabilitation.
- Prosthetics and Comfort: Bella Perez Vega showcased prosthetic breasts and discussed the emotional weight of top surgery and mastectomies. Her station also challenged students to redefine intimacy, whether it be emotional, physical, with a partner, or solo.
- Lived Experiences: The workshop also bridged the gap between clinical care and cultural representation by utilizing the hit TV drama Pose. Second-year OTD student Kawthar Kareem led case studies based on the show to illustrate the lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. "As OTs, we can see that dance is a form of emotional regulation," Kareem said, linking the show’s ballroom culture to therapeutic outcomes. Second-year OTD student Acacia Williams also highlighted the importance of equitable grooming practices, such as specific shaving techniques for melanated skin to prevent ingrown hairs, a vital part of gender expression that is often overlooked in traditional medical curricula.
The event concluded with students walking away with more than just stamps in a passport; they left with a concrete toolkit of resources and a renewed commitment to advocacy. By focusing on inclusive dialogue and specialized equipment, the GW OTD Equity Committee is ensuring that the next generation of therapists is prepared to treat every patient with the dignity, specificity, and the affirmation they deserve.
The success of the event underscores a growing movement within the GW Health Sciences community to prioritize health equity and ensure that "care for all" truly means all.
