PKI LGBTQ Advocacy Prompts Government Review and Professional Training Intervention

A few months ago, participants in PKI LGBTQ groups reported a prime-time radio and TV interview in which an accredited Russian-speaking Israeli psychiatrist made defamatory and unprofessional statements about gender-affirming care. In response, Anna Talisman, MSW, Head of the PKI LGBTQ Program, convened leading Israeli LGBTQ organizations and Clalit Health Services to ensure the issue was formally addressed with the Ministry of Health.

As a result, a formal complaint has been made to the Israeli Medical Association’s Ethics Committee, and the Ministry of Health will conduct a review of the psychiatrist to determine the extent of any work within public health services.

Importantly, the Ministry of Health also committed to developing and implementing a dedicated training program for mental health professionals on working with the trans community.