News Briefing

Penn to offer trans coverage

The University of Pennsylvania last week announced that it was expanding its student healthcare plan to allow coverage of gender-reassignment surgery.

The new benefit will cover costs associated with triadic treatment, which consists of psychotherapy, estrogen or testosterone treatments and the reassignment surgery.

The plan will pay for up to $50,000 of surgery costs.

Members of the board of last year’s Lambda Alliance, which oversees Penn’s LGBT student groups, initially brought the idea to the Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee, which voted to recommend the change to the university’s president and provost, who both approved it last week.

The new benefit will go into effect at the start of the next academic year and is expected to only raise premiums by a few cents.

Lambda Alliance members also will press for a similar change to the insurance plan offered to university employees.

NGLCC seeking biz nominees

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Wells Fargo, recently opened the application process for its Business Owner of the Year Award.

The honor recognizes a small business owner for his or her entrepreneurial spirit and service to the community.

The recipient will receive a $5,000 grant and be recognized at the 2010 NGLCC National Dinner in November in Washington, D.C.

To access the application, visit www.nglcc.org/businessaward.

Applications are due June 30.

Interns needed at NJ LGBT group

Garden State Equality is seeking summer interns and leadership fellows to work approximately 15 and 30 hours per week, respectively.

The LGBT-rights organization is looking for interns to work in its Montclair, Asbury Park and Collingswood offices.

Those interested should e-mail their résumés to Troy Stevenson at [email protected] and specify interest in communications, fundraising, grassroots organizing or operations.

— Jen Colletta

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