Too few transgender people have access to basic, culturally competent health care. This lack of access leads to on-going, preventable health care problems for community members and their families. For some people it can prevent or delay them from transitioning. For others, it can mean that basic health maintenance issues (high blood pressure, for instance) go untreated. And for too many it can lead to accessing medication and advice through the street economy. These deficits in health care are part of the way oppression has prevented transgender people from organizing for our own needs.