Tuesday Dec 16, 2025

S1E2 "For All" with Dr. Robyn Koeppen MD

For more information, visit Queerolina.org/helplines 

Disclaimer: This intent of this interview is to provide the public with objective information about how the government has impacted local healthcare organizations. We are speaking from our own experience as a result of the recent changes within the organization with which we are employed. All opinions shared are our own and are not intended to slander nor speak for any healthcare organizations mentioned.

Topics:

  • Gender-affirming care is essential for mental health and well-being.
  • Recent policy changes have abruptly restricted care for transgender youth.
  • Patients often feel abandoned and unsupported by healthcare systems.
  • Detransitioning is often driven by societal pressures rather than regret.
  • Supportive parents are crucial for the mental health of transgender youth.
  • Puberty blockers provide time for mental maturity and decision-making.
  • Informed consent is vital in gender affirming care processes.
  • The healthcare community is facing significant challenges due to political pressures.
  • The rates of suicide and mental health issues are rising among transgender youth.
  • Community support and resources are critical for those affected by these changes.

 

Overview:

Dr. Koeppen is board certified in family medicine with an added certificate of qualifications in primary care sports medicine. She specializes in primary care, transgender hormone therapy, sports medicine and musculoskeletal conditions. She was drawn to the idea of family medicine and building lifelong relationships with patients and their families. Dr. Koeppen is passionate about providing life-affirming care for her LGBT+ patients. She received her medical degree at Florida International University. 

“I love and believe in science and the goodness of people. Medicine is how I pursue both in a meaningful, captivating way.” - Dr. Koeppen 

 

In this conversation, Dr. Robin Koeppen and I discuss the critical topic of gender affirming care and the effect of recent policy changes restricting life-saving care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals under 19. We explore the emotional impact on patients, the complexities of detransitioning, and the importance of informed consent. We discuss the importance of supportive environments for prepubescent children. We also dive into the medical implications of puberty blockers and hormone treatments. Below are links to gender-affirming care resources and how to stay up-to-date on legislation affecting this community. 

 

Provider Profile: lgbtqhealthcaredirectory.org/provider/robyn-koeppen

Charlotte Trans Health: charlottetranshealth.org/

PATH - Providing Access to Trans Healthcare - charlottetranshealth.org/providing-access-to-trans-healthcare-path/

 

Resources:

Download the full zine click: 

Nurse Nikki's Resource Review

Crisis Resources for Queer individuals:

Firearm Safety

Queer Resources- Health

  • National
  • NC
  • Serving the Triad’s TG& NB folx and support systems with peer support groups, community referrals, & action events.
        • Specializing in mental health care for queer and neurodivergent folx
  • Danny Weber, LCMHC
  • Two-Spirit
  • Mental Health & Sobriety Maintenance
  • Reproductive Rights & Resources
  • Sexuality
  • Queer Family Planning

Resources For Healthcare Providers

  • Ethics
        • Nurses
        • Doctors
        • All
  • Publications

Queer Community Resources

  • National
  • Elder/ End-of-Life
  • Two-Spirit
  • Intersex
    • Gender Autonomy Collective: Autonomycollective.org
      • Fighting for the right to be free from any non-consensual genital alteration surgeries as a minor or coerced adult including intersex 'corrective' surgeries, male circumcision, and female circumcision.
  • North Carolina
  • Transgender & Gender Diverse
  • Aims to reduce health disparities in our community
  • Increases access to and awareness of providers committed to serving our local transgender community.
  • Connects TGD folx with financial assistance, free case management, mental health services, medical case, and limited prescription coverage
  • Therapist-Led Support Group
  • 1st and 3rd Wednesdays monthly
  • 6:30-7:30 PM
  • Trans-led organization building gender expansive community in Charlotte.
  • Cultivating safe community spaces
  • Supporting the community through mutual aid and transformative justice.
  • Nonprofit organization supporting trans and gender-diverse children by providing the education, resources, and compassionate guidance to them and their support system
  • Youth

Allyship

Activism & Advocacy

Queer Publication

Current Events

 

Keywords: gender affirming care, transgender health, detransitioning, puberty blockers, mental health, LGBTQ+ support, healthcare policy, patient care, medical ethics, community resources

 

 

 

Comment (1)
Nikki Ferguson

4 months ago

Does anyone have any questions for myself or Beverly after this episode? Please join my Discord and post in the debrief section!

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