Local Podcasters Talk Inclusivity Training with Aspirus St. Luke’s Staff
DULUTH, Minn. — Health care is a necessity that many Americans still struggle with, but receiving fair treatment is important no matter the cause or how the person identify.
Over the last year, father-daughter duo and local podcasters Cameron & Raven Kruger have holding educational seminars at Aspirus St. Luke’s. Their podcast, called the Transagenda, is focused on broad topics within the LGBTQIA+ community. The pair look to clear confusion on how to understand, respect, and support transgender and other gender non-conforming patients.
“I’m a trans person myself, for me I have been denied care and have had horrible healthcare in my past,” said Raven Kruger, co-host of the Transagenda podcast. “So for me it’s really heart warming to be able to be accepted into a hospital where I personally feel such a connection, then also I am able to help the people who are also treating my friends and community members.”
“This is the first time that we were really speaking directly to people who are providing care,” said Cameron Kruger, co-host of the Transagenda podcast. “I think we found a really good niche learning what people what to hear about and talking about the challenges that they have in treating people who are trans.”
Historically transgendered individuals have been mistreated and dismissed in the healthcare system. Since 2023, Minnesota’s House of Representatives has declared Minnesota a ‘Trans Refuge’ state. Staff at Aspirus St. Luke’s they that want to be prepared for the new terminology and experiences that nurses, doctors, and supporting staff may not be familiar with.
“One of the biggest things that they (staff) are always confused about is what pronouns to use,” said Stephanie Forslund, the nurse manager for maternal child health department at Aspirus St. Luke’s. “Getting them an explanation for all of that and really learning what a trans person goes through.”
The podcast duo also hold other educational trainings for businesses in the Northland. Their classes look to educate the community on embracing gender and sexual-orientation diversity.
