Emails recently released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) reveal that Dr. Jess Ting, a prominent figure in gender-affirming medical procedures, sought funding from the late financier Jeffrey Epstein for a documentary about transgender health. The correspondence, dating back to 2016, indicates that Ting expressed excitement about a new transgender clinic at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, where he has served since 2001.
In the emails, Dr. Ting, who is now an assistant professor of surgery at Mount Sinai, informed Epstein of his new role as director of the hospital’s transgender medicine and surgery program. He described the initiative as a pioneering effort, stating, “Mount Sinai, being the progressive place that it is, saw [an] opportunity and need to take a leadership position in the area of Transgender Health.” Ting believed that this “innovative idea” warranted a documentary, prompting him to reach out to Epstein for financial backing.
The emails show that Ting had previously received a grant of $50,000 from Epstein for breast cancer research, as indicated in a prior exchange from 2013. In his request for support, Ting expressed enthusiasm about the documentary project, mentioning, “If I could just be really forward, I was wondering if you would be interested in supporting this documentary?” He suggested that he and the film’s producer and director could present their pitch in person.
The documentary, titled “Born to Be,” premiered in 2019, focusing on Ting’s work with transgender patients. While the released documents do not confirm whether Epstein provided funding, they do illustrate the nature of their correspondence.
Additionally, the emails reveal that an unidentified associate of Epstein had invited Ting to visit Epstein’s private island. In a 2013 communication, the assistant wrote, “Jeffrey would like you to enjoy a day on his island during your vacation!” Ting referred to this invitation as “extremely generous” and coordinated with Epstein’s team while considering bringing friends and children along. There is no available evidence that this trip occurred.
Dr. Ting has not been implicated in any of Epstein’s alleged criminal activities. The financier was previously convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor and was under federal investigation for an alleged sex trafficking operation at the time of his death in federal custody in August 2019. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging.
The release of these documents falls under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, aimed at increasing public access to information surrounding Epstein and his associates. As investigations continue, the implications of these revelations on the medical community and the broader discourse around transgender health care remain to be seen.
