Stephen Ira Beatty, the son of Annette Bening and Warren Beatty, has set out on a mission close to his heart: to help all people receive equal healthcare, including transgender and non-conforming people.

Stephen was born Kathlyn Elizabeth Beatty and is the oldest of four children. It was not until last year that he came out to the public. He said he started making his transition at the age of 14 and did so successfully with the support from his friends and family. Although his parents have never publicly spoken about his transition from Kathlyn to Stephen, Stephen is speaking out and has joined with GLAAD and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project in a PSA promoting equal health care coverage.

According to GLAAD’s official website, “GLAAD works with print, broadcast and online news sources to bring people powerful stories from the LGBT community that build support for equality. And when news outlets get it wrong, GLAAD is there to respond and advocate for fairness and accuracy.” The Sylvia Rivera Law Project also describes their mission on their official website: “The Sylvia Rivera Law Project works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence.”

In the video, Stephen is seen speaking directly into the camera, and is talking about how he hoped to be welcomed when he made the move to New York. He is talking about New York’s health care policies that exclude transgender and non-conforming people.

“I grew up outside of New York, but I’ve always known I’ve wanted to move here for the city’s vibrant artistic community,” Stephen says in the PSA. “As a trans person, I would hope that I’d be welcomed but many trans people aren’t because we don’t have the basic healthcare coverage we need to survive.”

While many may not see the need for transgender medicine (such as hormones), Ronica Mukerjee, a family nurse practitioner says it is vital for their transitional needs.

“Trans medicine is a medically necessary intervention,” she says. “Many people believe that providing hormones for trans patients is cosmetic but as a medical provider I can tell you how crucial it is for trans people to have knowledgeable trans-friendly providers.”

Image via Wikimedia Commons