Meet Asia Lyons, a Licensed Social Worker in Our Gender Affirmation Program

Since joining VNSNY’s Gender Affirmation Program (GAP) just four months ago, Licensed Social Worker Asia Lyons has made a tremendous impact, helping nearly 100 gender affirmation surgery patients through their recovery process.

Asia (pronounced “Asha”) talks to every patient who comes through the GAP program, with the first conversation taking place shortly after they come home from surgery. When Asia calls a patient to introduce herself, she tells them right away that she is a trans woman—a revelation that often brings the patient to tears, so thankful are they to have someone who truly understands what they’re going through. By talking to patients about her own life experience and what it was like to recover from the procedures, Asia strives to normalize their experience.

“The opportunity for our patients to speak with someone who can offer a personal level of insight, empathy and understanding is something that is deeply appreciated,” said Asia. “Once they know that I’ve been where they are and that I got through it, it provides a sense of relief, hope and trust.”

Thanks to a grant provided by the New York City Council, Asia is able to work with patients for up to a year, providing long-term support through every stage of the recovery process as well as crisis counseling to patients who are struggling.

In addition to working directly with patients, Asia and GAP Director Shannon Whittington train the program’s nurses, ensuring they’re well prepared and know what to expect when treating trans and nonbinary patients. One of the things that sets VNSNY apart from other healthcare providers is its commitment to providing culturally sensitive care that meets diverse patient needs. When a clinician asks a patient what their pronoun is, for example, the patient understands right away that VNSNY caregivers respect them, and trust begins to form.

“I encourage GAP patients to open their hearts and trust others when seeking out health care. I know people who were forever changed just because they let others in,” says Asia. “It’s an unfortunate fact, but the trans community has grown accustomed to discrimination when it comes to their healthcare needs. When you add to that the stigma that exists around gender affirmation surgery, many trans people would rather take risks with their health than face humiliation from a clinician. That’s why training is so vital when serving trans patients. I’m proud of the work the GAP team is doing to build the trust of the trans community.”