At the age of 62, Maine police officer Julie Fitzgerald came out as a transgender woman to her family, friends, and colleagues. She spent 24 years in the military, but coming out was the hardest thing she had ever done.
After being on feminizing hormones for eight years, Julie was ready to take the next step in her transition and have gender-affirming surgery. She received a referral from her endocrinologist for Boston Medical Center’s GenderCare Center, the first center in New England to offer surgical services to those seeking gender-affirming care. There, she met with Pam Klein, a BMC nurse who specializes in transgender healthcare. Together, they decided on the best gender reassignment surgery option for Julie.
In June 2023, Julie received a less invasive reconstructive surgery that required only a one-night stay in the hospital. Julie was in awe of her surgeons, Robert Oates, MD, and Jaromir Slama, MD. “My two surgeons were wonderful. The nurses were angels. Everybody was so welcoming and respectful, and I had fun with everyone I interacted with.”
“When I came of surgery, I felt so happy. I was on cloud nine.” — Julie Fitzgerald
Inspired by her care, Julie decided to pay it forward with a donation to BMC. She says, “If you had a great experience, why not give back? If I could give more, I would. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but it’s going to help somebody.”
Today at 64 years old, Julie is the happiest she’s ever been. She often shares her story with her community in the hopes that it will inspire others, including a recent talk at the Portland, Maine VA Medical Center. “I’m not afraid of sticking up for other people—I’m a police officer. I want everyone to know that transgender people are normal.”
