Gabrielle Inès Souza is the Executive Director of The Okra Project, a mutual aid collective focused on supporting Black Trans people and alleviating the barriers their community faces.
1. How does The Okra Project’s work addressing food insecurity and supporting Black Trans communities intersect with overall health and well-being?
Here at The Okra Project we recognize that food is more than sustenance; it’s a pathway to healing, community, and dignity. Addressing food insecurity for Black Trans people is a foundational part of supporting their holistic well-being. When someone has access to nourishing meals and options, they’re more likely to experience stability across other aspects of their life, from mental and emotional health to the ability to access medical care, housing, and employment. Our work is deeply intersectional, meeting people where they are and affirming that their lives matter in every sense, especially in how they’re cared for.
2. What are the biggest misconceptions future doctors and healthcare providers might have about the healthcare challenges faced by Black Trans individuals?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Black Trans people are inherently difficult to treat or that our needs fall outside the realm of typical care. In reality, the challenge lies not in who we are, but in a system that has failed to be inclusive, informed, and compassionate. Many healthcare providers underestimate the trauma and mistrust that stem from years of medical discrimination. They may also not realize how barriers like food insecurity, homelessness, and lack of culturally competent care compound and affect medical outcomes.
3. How can pre-med and medical students begin to approach patient care with a deeper understanding of cultural, social, and identity-related factors that affect health outcomes?
It begins with humility and a willingness to listen. Medical training often emphasizes diagnostics over dialogue. But taking the time to understand a patient’s lived experience, including their cultural background, gender identity, and social conditions, builds trust and leads to better care. Students should seek out education on anti-racism, trans health, and social determinants of health and ask themselves: “What don’t I know? And how can I better show up for those most impacted?”
4. From your experience, what role can future physicians play in supporting initiatives that address food insecurity and health inequities in marginalized communities?
Future physicians have the power to advocate not just for individuals but for systemic change. Supporting initiatives like The Okra Project, whether through partnerships, funding, referrals, or volunteering, shows a commitment to addressing health at its root. Physicians can also use their influence within institutions to advocate for more equitable policies and practices. It’s about seeing food, housing, and safety as essential components of care and not just side concerns.
5. What lessons can aspiring healthcare professionals take from The Okra Project’s community-centered approach to care and apply in their future medical practice?
The Okra Project operates on the belief that care should be rooted in love, respect, and cultural relevance. Aspiring healthcare professionals can learn that healing doesn’t just happen in hospitals; it happens in kitchens, in community centers, and through consistent, affirming presence. Our approach centers the people most often pushed to the margins and asks: What does care look like when it’s designed by and for those it’s meant to serve? That’s a question I’d encourage every future provider to carry with them into their practice.
Inspira Advantage is proud to feature insights from leaders like Gabrielle Inès Souza, to help pre-med students understand the importance of culturally responsive care and inclusive support for diverse communities.
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