Transgender Awareness Week: Max Jahufer on Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain

Transgender Awareness Week is a time to amplify voices that are too often left out of conversations about health.

Endometriosis Australia Ambassador, passionate advocate, and proud trans man Max Jahufer, reminds us why visibility matters: trans and gender diverse people experience endometriosis and pelvic pain too, yet their stories are rarely heard. By sharing these experiences, we not only challenge misconceptions but also push for a healthcare system that recognises and respects all bodies.

Why is it important to highlight transgender experiences with endometriosis and pelvic pain during this time?

Because visibility saves lives — and it changes care. For too long, trans and gender diverse people have been invisible in conversations about reproductive and pelvic health. When we bring these stories forward, we help dismantle a medical system that often overlooks or mislabels our experiences. Trans Awareness Week is about recognising that health is not one-size-fits-all, and that people of all genders can experience conditions like endometriosis.

Our stories don’t just challenge misconceptions — they broaden understanding for everyone.

Many people still think of endometriosis as a “women’s disease.” How does that framing affect transgender and gender diverse people who live with it?

It’s deeply alienating. When the entire conversation is framed around “women’s health,” it unintentionally excludes anyone who doesn’t identify that way. For trans men and non-binary people, it can feel like there’s no space to exist in that narrative — like your pain isn’t valid because you don’t fit the expected picture. It also impacts access to care: if you don’t see yourself reflected in the language or imagery of clinics, research, or awareness campaigns, it becomes harder to reach out for help. That invisibility can amplify shame, delay diagnosis, and reinforce a sense of isolation.

What are some of the biggest challenges in accessing care?

There are several. A lack of clinical knowledge about trans bodies is a huge one — many practitioners haven’t been trained to understand hormonal variation, surgical histories, or the nuances of gender-affirming care. Then there’s the issue of gatekeeping: people being denied referrals or second-guessed about their symptoms because they don’t fit the “typical” profile of an endo patient. Add to that misgendering, administrative systems that can’t process correct names or pronouns, and waiting rooms that don’t feel safe — it all creates a barrier before you’ve even seen a specialist.

How does misgendering or assumptions in healthcare settings impact the willingness of trans people to seek help?

It’s one of the biggest deterrents. Every time you’re misgendered or treated like your identity is a complication rather than a reality, it chips away at your trust in the system. Many trans people end up avoiding care altogether, choosing to manage pain in silence rather than risk another invalidating experience. The emotional toll of constantly having to explain or defend who you are, on top of dealing with chronic pain, is immense. Respectful language and curiosity from clinicians — not assumptions — make a world of difference.

What kinds of support make the biggest difference?

Community, first and foremost. Knowing you’re not alone changes everything. Peer networks and online groups can provide validation, practical advice, and a sense of belonging that’s often missing from the medical world. Medically, having practitioners who genuinely listen, who are willing to learn and adapt, is powerful. Emotionally, access to trauma-informed care and mental health support that understands the intersection of gender and chronic pain is essential. And advocacy organisations — like Endometriosis Australia — creating space for trans voices helps bridge the gap between lived experience and clinical understanding.

If healthcare systems became truly inclusive, what would that look like?

It would look like safety. Intake forms with correct gender options. Waiting rooms where all bodies are welcome. Doctors who ask rather than assume. Training for every clinician on how to care for trans patients with dignity. Research that reflects the diversity of people living with endometriosis. And a cultural shift where trans and gender diverse people don’t have to fight to be included — we’re already part of the picture. Inclusion shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be built into the foundation of healthcare.

What advice would you give to a young trans person experiencing pelvic pain who doesn’t feel seen or heard?

First, know that what you’re feeling is real — and you deserve care. You’re not overreacting, you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. Keep advocating for yourself, even when it feels exhausting. Find clinicians and communities that affirm your identity and listen to your experience. And remember: your gender doesn’t invalidate your pain, and your pain doesn’t define your gender. There’s strength in your story, and by speaking up, you’re helping create the kind of healthcare system that future generations won’t have to fight so hard to access.