Gender-affirming care has been a topic within mainstream media for the past several years. While some people think of surgical interventions during these discussions, health care providers and organizations classify a range of treatments as part of a gender-affirming care routine. Research shows that transgender and nonbinary individuals who receive gender-affirming care experience greater health outcomes such as decreased levels of depression, anxiety and suicidality. Dr. Arjee Javellana Restar’s paper Gender-affirming care is preventative care, examines the relationship between mental health and access to gender-affirming care. “While there are established treatments available outside of GAC, preventing negative mental health outcomes before they occur requires widening the tools of prevention, and calling in medical, insurer, and policy communities to value GAC in improving mental health for trans people.” (Restar, 2023, pg. 2) In order to address the mental health outcomes of trans and nonbinary individuals, it is important that barriers to gender-affirming treatment options are eliminated and the patient’s autonomy is prioritized.
Gender-affirming care are treatment options that aim to affirm a person’s gender identity. Treatments may include speech therapy, hormone therapy, or surgical interventions. Gender-affirming care options are frequently discussed and created by patients, healthcare providers and if the patient is a minor, parental or legal guardians are also present. The Association of American Medical Colleges states that “For children in particular, the time of the interventions is based on several factors, including cognitive and physical development as well as parental consent. Surgery…is rarely provided to people under 18.” (Boyle, 2022)
Research shows that transgender and nonbinary people who receive gender-affirming care often experience improved mental health outcomes than those who do not receive treatment. Dr. Restar writes “Addressing mental health problems among trans people necessitates explicit programmatic and investment goals that allow the equitable provision of not just treatment, but instead, an array of both preventative and treatment tools…” (Restar, 2023, pg. 1) Both Dr. Restar and the Association of American Medical Colleges note that people who receive gender-affirming care experience lower rates of negative mental health outcomes. (Restar, 2023; Boyle, 2022) “GAC is linked to improved quality of life and mental health among trans people…To date, no studies have reported findings that suggest GAC increases negative mental health outcomes.” (Restar, 2023, pg. 1)
There are social and structural barriers that prevent people from accessing the full range of gender-affirming care treatment options. Dr. Restar suggests that the healthcare profession should make changes to the existing structures to allow for more equitable access to care. “Over the years, the benefits of GAC has become apparent, yet beneficiaries remain exclusive, leaving many trans people to wait until eligible for treatment at the cost of worsened outcomes…To address the high prevalence of mental health problems, GAC must be synergized as part of combined preventative mental health care options and strategies.” (Restar, 2023, pg. 2)
Building a gender diverse and gender-affirming environment is important because it “allows for frank discussions about the patient’s gender identity and related stress, sexual activity, and potential transition toward a different gender identity.” (Boyle, 2022) Himmelfarb Library’s Diversity and Disparities in Health Care special collection contains materials to help you learn more about transgender and gender diverse healthcare needs. Additionally, Dr. Restar’s article provides suggestions that may lead to healthcare structural changes and improve healthcare access for transgender and nonbinary individuals.
References:
- Boyle, P. (2022, April 12). What is gender-affirming care? Your questions answered. AMMC News. https://www.aamc.org/news/what-gender-affirming-care-your-questions-answered
Restar, A. J. (2023). Gender-affirming care is preventative care. Lancet Regional Health - Americas (Online), 24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2023.100544
