Meet EJ

EJ, a nonbinary individual from Pennsylvania, has spent nearly a decade preparing for gender-affirming surgery—an essential step in their journey to align their inner and outer self. After months of emotional, physical, and financial preparation, EJ was devastated to receive a cancellation call just 13 hours before surgery.

Video still of EJ speaking in front of a concrete wall. A caption at the left of the image shares EJ's name and they/them pronouns. A caption at the bottom of the screen also reads "My name's EJ."
EJ, a nonbinary Pennsylvanian, spent nearly ten years preparing for life-changing gender-affirming surgery—only to be denied hours before the procedure due to a hospital’s religious affiliation. In this powerful video, EJ shares the emotional toll of being refused care and the broader implications of religious refusals in health care.
Why This Matters

EJ’s story highlights the broader issue of religious refusals in health care—policies that can deny people the care they need based on institutional beliefs rather than medical necessity. These refusals not only harm individuals seeking gender-affirming care but also impact pregnant patients needing emergency care and others facing urgent medical decisions.

What’s at Stake 

No one should face discrimination or barriers to care. EJ’s courage in sharing their experience underscores the urgent need to separate religious doctrine from essential health services.

Take Action 

How do you feel about religion being used to justify the refusal of medically necessary, gender-affirming care for people across the country? Record a response now.