The recent cuts announced by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) to its LGBTQ Health Program reportedly include the controversial “Trans Buddy” program previously employed by the hospital, which connected a network of volunteers with patients who identified as transgender and sought treatment at VUMC.
Though eliminated through cuts that were announced last month in response to the anticipated loss of funding under the Trump administration, Tennessee Lookout reported on Tuesday that those involved with the program were only notified it would be impacted through social media posts, which the outlet said prompted a stern letter from the LGBTQ Caucus of the Metropolitan Council last week.
“You presented to the world that your hospital was a place where LGBTQ+ individuals could receive care with dignity, safety, and respect,” wrote the caucus in its July 1 letter. “Time has exposed a painful truth. When our community needed you to stand firm, you stepped back.”
VUMC’s former program was previously the subject of criticism by The Daily Wire host Matt Walsh in 2022, when he accused those volunteering to be a “Trans Buddy” of being “trans activists from the community who attend appointments with trans patients, monitoring the doctors to guard against ‘unsafe’ behavior such as misgendering.”
In case the objectors hadn't gotten the memo, Vanderbilt unveiled a program called "Trans Buddies." The "buddies" are trans activists from the community who attend appointments with trans patients, monitoring the doctors to guard against "unsafe" behavior such as misgendering pic.twitter.com/KyYUdRHrrP
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) September 20, 2022
Walsh’s remarks about VUMC, including his report that it allegedly engaged in false billing practices with patients who identified as transgender, ultimately helped spark an investigation from Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, who received medical records from the hospital later that year.
Nashville Scene, citing Vanderbilt University Divinity student Quinn Bacon, who reportedly led the “Trans Buddy” program prior to its end, reported on Monday that the volunteers “helped ensure that trans people were not having care withheld, and helped advocate for and educate providers on pronouns.”
Describing it as “important,” Bacon claimed his role in the “Trans Buddy” program allowed him to help “deal with medical discrimination, deal with patients that needed company, community support help, advocating for themselves,” and engage in “all sorts of equity work,” on behalf of patients who identified as transgender.
VUMC has said it anticipates its cuts, including those eliminating support positions at the LGBTQ Health and “Trans Buddy” programs, will reduce its operating budget by $300 million.
– – –
Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Vanderbilt Medical center North” by Vanderbilt Hustler/Hallie Williams and “Onlooker” by Pexels.
VANDERBILT IS AS DISGUSTUNG AS IT GETS.
I WOULDNT LET THEM TREAT ANYONE.
DO NO HARM is NOT part of their mission.
God does not exist in their universe.
There’s a special place in hell for these greedy liars.
So glad that these “buddies” were able to sort out pronouns.
My preferred pronouns are:
1. Mr.
2. Sir
3. Hey You