A 55-year-old transgender firefighter is suing the city of Philadelphia, alleging that the city and his union discriminated against them by refusing insurance coverage for facial feminization surgery, which they consider medically necessary.
The firefighter claims that the denial of coverage has caused them harm and amounts to illegal sex stereotyping.
According to the lawsuit, “Ms. Doe was forced to maintain natal sex characteristics with which she no longer identified by virtue of the Defendants’ callous and discriminatory acts committed against her.”
“Ms. Doe has spent years of her life presenting herself in a manner that is not her authentic self,” the complaint continues.
“She became suicidal and considered ending her life,” alleged the complainant’s attorneys.
The lawsuit asserts that defendants “recklessly disregarded” Jane Doe's federally-protected rights by claiming Doe was seeking cosmetic surgery, rather than procedures that are medically necessary.https://t.co/9gG2Q4luAE
— Philadelphia Gay News (@phillygaynews) February 13, 2024
The firefighter claims suffering “economic harms, emotional distress, mental anguish, pain and suffering, humiliation and embarrassment,” in addition to the “loss of enjoyment of life and life’s pleasures.”
Independence Blue Cross wrote that they “serve all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
“Equitable care and protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identification are written into our medical policies and required by law. Our recently updated policies for gender affirming care also take into consideration the standards published by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH),” continued the agency.
The firefighter is seeking coverage for the procedures, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as demands for sensitivity training and a written policy to support employees who complain about gender identity discrimination.
The insurance agency and the city declined to comment due to the ongoing litigation.
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