The Fenway Institute was excited to host Lieutenant Shachar Erez today at our 1340 Boylston St. offices. Shown in the above photo with The Fenway Institute’s Dr. Sean Cahill, Director of Health Policy Research, and Cheri Callanan, Community Education Specialist at The LGBT Aging Project, Lt. Shachar visited today to discuss transgender issues in the Israeli military and in Israeli society and learn about Fenway Health’s transgender health work.
Lt. Erez is the first openly transgender commander in the Israeli Defense Forces. He transitioned while serving in the military, receiving support from his unit and commanders.Lt. Shachar’s work has helped effect changes in protocols and policies in the Israeli Defense Forces, such as tolerance training and military coverage of transgender health care needs, including hormones and surgery.
“Lt. Erez has shown great courage in living his life authentically, and helped effect remarkable changes within the Israel Defense Forces that make it easier for transgender Israelis to serve their country,” said Dr. Cahill. “It was a pleasure to meet Lt. Erez and learn about his important work, and share information about the many transgender health initiatives we have underway at Fenway Health.”