Smithsonian Staff Learning Series: “The U.S. Trans Survey: A conversation with Josie Caballero and Dr. Sandy James”

The U.S. Trans Survey plays a vital role in capturing the experiences of transgender people and uncovering the discrimination they face nationwide. This comprehensive resource emphasizes the importance of data in understanding the unique challenges and experiences of transgender individuals.

For the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey, new sections have been introduced to address pressing issues and broaden our understanding of transgender people’s experiences. These include examining sports and locker room access, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, reproductive health, the unique experiences of 16-17 year-olds, and more. By delving into these areas, the survey aims to provide a more comprehensive and accurate picture of the evolving challenges faced by transgender people, empowering stakeholders to develop targeted strategies to address their needs and improve their overall well-being.

By engaging the public with these findings, we can humanize transgender individuals, foster empathy, and encourage open conversations about their struggles and resilience. Such efforts ultimately contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society, where diversity is celebrated, and everyone’s story is valued. The Smithsonian Staff Learning Series talk will explore findings from their 2015 study and share an update on the 2022 study, whose data is now being analyzed.

About the Speakers

Josie Caballero
Director
U.S. Trans Survey and Special Projects

Josie Caballero is a proud trans woman who serves as the director of the 2022 US Transgender Survey at the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). With her exceptional skills in coalition building, policy development, and community advocacy, Josie plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success and impact of the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey. Josie’s background is rich and varied, with a six-year career in the Navy as a nuclear reactor operator. She has also honed her expertise in political management and consulting over the course of nearly a decade, working across the United States to advance important causes.

With her unique blend of experience, Josie brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her role at NCTE. As the director of the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey, Josie is committed to working with researchers, academics, and activists to promote greater understanding and respect for the trans community.

Dr. Sandy James
Co-Principal Investigator and Lead Researcher
U.S. Trans Survey

Sandy E. James is the lead researcher for the for the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey, which he does in his personal time, with his daytime devoted to working for civil rights through a federal agency. Sandy was also the lead author of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey report, serving as the USTS Project Manager and later the Research Director of NCTE from 2014-2017. For the 2015 USTS, he led the effort to collect the data, conduct survey outreach, analyze the data, and present the findings in the main report and a range of breakout reports. After a career as a forensic toxicologist, Sandy became a civil rights advocate with a focus on laws and policies that affect trans people. Sandy previously worked extensively with the National Transgender Discrimination Survey as the Urvashi Vaid Research Fellow at the National LGBTQ Task Force. Sandy received a J.D. and Ph.D. in American Government from Georgetown University

Related posts:

Office of Protection Services has a new director The Right Stuff Revisiting Asia Two Smithsonian museums recognized with international design awards