The Westchester LGBTQ+ History Project

Z Paige L’Erario MD, LMSW wears many hats. They are a neurologist, social worker, writer, and transgender activist.

Though they now live in New York City, they spent seven formative years as a Westchester County resident and remain active in their goal of making Greenburgh a place where LGBTQIA2S+ people can thrive in queer utopia. They do this through Greenburgh Pride, a community group they co-founded, which has been involved in a number of initiatives (like annual Pride rallies, legislative advocacy, and qualitative research intended for publication and future change-making).

In their field, Dr. L’Erario is acknowledged not only for their stroke research and significant accomplishments (like being the first physician on the Eastern Coast of the United States to administer a clot-busting medication to treat acute stroke on a mobile stroke unit, a specialized ambulance that provides advanced stroke care before patients arrive in the emergency room), but also their work for the LGBTQ+ community — patients and professionals alike.

Dr. L’Erario is a member of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health and a founding member of the Gender Equity Working Group of the LGBTQI section of the American Academy of Neurology.

“I don’t think we need science to always tell us that we need a kinder society and we need to be kinder to each other.
… There is just a climate in the healthcare system around this country that is harshly anti-LGBTQ, and I think every physician should be speaking out against that, because it’s part of our oath to minimize harm as doctors.”

Z Paige L’Erario

To view the full transcript of this interview, click here.

“I transitioned in 2019. I mean, there have been trans people around for all time, and people in the public eye for over 100 years, and there’s been trans doctors for decades before me. And they may have walked so I can run, and I hope I run so the next generation can sprint. I’m very excited to see what Gen Z does. They’re my reason for living. They are what fulfill me and drive me forward.”

Z Paige L’Erario