Thundermist: Trans And Non-Binary Voters Face Hurdles At RI Polls

WARWICK, RI — Thundermist Health Center has launched a new website that aims to reduce barriers to voting for trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse Rhode Islanders.

TransVoteRI.com was created to help trans voters update their state and federal documents for a smoother experience at the polls, Thundermist announced. The website provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to update ID documents in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island requires photo ID to vote in person. Trans and non-binary citizens who do not have identification documents that match their appearance, gender, or name may encounter obstacles when they show up to vote, the health center said in a news release.

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“We know voting is important to the health of a community,” stated Trans Health Education and Policy Specialist Volta Tran. “This website helps to remove barriers in accessing and obtaining updated voter IDs and engage trans and non-binary communities in the civic process.”

The launch coincides with Pride Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of trans and LGBTQ+ individuals and to stand together against discrimination and injustices, said Thundermist president and CEO Jeanne LaChance.

“Gender identity should never exclude anyone from being a voter,” stated Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea. “I am committed to making sure every eligible Rhode Islander can cast their ballot safely and securely, and I am proud to partner with Thundermist Health Center to provide these important voting resources for our LGBTQ+ community.”

Thundermist said its Trans Health Access Team provides care to more than 1,200 individuals who identify as trans or non-binary. The medical, behavioral health, and allied service professionals work to improve access to culturally and clinically competent health care.

Trans is an umbrella term that encompasses many identities including transgender, transsexual, gender non-conforming/variant/creative, non-binary, genderqueer, intersex, agender, and others, Thundermist said.

The project is supported by the XIX: Shall Not Be Denied: Why It Matters initiative of the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities. It is part of the nationwide Why it Matters: Civic and Electoral Participation initiative administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Thundermist Health Center is a community-based non-profit primary care provider with locations in West Warwick, Woonsocket, and South County. The organization cares for patients regardless of insurance and ability to pay. In 2020, Thundermist cared for more than 50,000 patients.