The Power of a Story: Enhancing Students' Empathy for Transgender Pregnant Men

Background: Transgender individuals continue to face stigma and discrimination within the health care system. Sharing the lived experience of transgender pregnant men can increase awareness, understanding, and empathy for this underrepresented population. Method: A transgender man (and advocate) shared his pregnancy experiences with students enrolled in a maternity course. Students completed pre- and postpresentation surveys on their perceptions of working with transgender patients and the importance of providing transgender-affirming care. Results: Students reported the speaker's presentation increased their awareness of the experience of transgender patients. Many students reported increased interest and desire to provide trans-affirming care. Conclusion: Nursing faculty can provide opportunities for students to meet and speak with transgender patients as a strategy to increase empathy and reduce discrimination toward transgender patients in health care.