Journal Article

Experiences of Transgender-Related Discrimination and Implications for Health: Results From the Virginia Transgender Health Initiative Study

Honnold, Julie A., Bradford, Judith, Reisner, Sari L., Xavier, Jessica

2013

Overview

Objectives. We examined relationships between social determinants of health and experiences of transgender-related discrimination reported by transgender people in Virginia. Methods. In 2005 through 2006, 387 self-identified transgender people completed a statewide health needs assessment; 350 who completed eligibility questions were included in this examination of factors associated with experiences of discrimination in health care, employment, or housing. We fit multivariate logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations to adjust for survey modality (online vs paper). Results. Of participants, 41% (n = 143) reported experiences of transgender-related discrimination. Factors associated with transgender-related discrimination were geographic context, gender (female-to male spectrum vs male-to-female spectrum), low socioeconomic status, being a racial/ethnic minority, not having health insurance, gender transition indicators (younger age at first transgender awareness), health care needed but unable to be obtained (hormone therapy and mental health services), history of violence (sexual and physical), substance use health behaviors (tobacco and alcohol), and interpersonal factors (family support and community connectedness). Conclusions. Findings suggest that transgender Virginians experience widespread discrimination in health care, employment, and housing. Multilevel interventions are needed for transgender populations, including legal protections and training for health care providers.

• Publisher: American Public Health Association
• Subject: Adult / Biological and medical sciences / Citizen participation / Confidence Intervals / Cross-Sectional Studies / Demographics / Discrimination / Employment / Employment discrimination / Ethnic groups / Family support / Female / Females / Gender / Gender identity / General aspects / Health Behavior / Health care / Health care industry / Health care policy / Health insurance / Health needs / Health promotion / Health services / Health Services Accessibility / Health Status / Hormone replacement therapy / Housing / Housing discrimination / Humans / Interpersonal factors / LGBTQ people / Logistic Models / Low income groups / Male / Medical personnel / Medical research / Medical sciences / Medical treatment / Mental health / Mental health services / Middle Aged / Minority groups / Miscellaneous / Needs analysis / Needs Assessment / Odds Ratio / Public health / Public health. Hygiene / Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine / Research and Practice / Self evaluation / Sex discrimination / Social Discrimination - statistics & numerical data / Social factors / Socioeconomic factors / Socioeconomic status / Socioeconomics / Stigma / Studies / Substance abuse / Substance use / Support groups / Thoracic surgery / Tobacco / Transgender Persons / Transsexuality / Violence / Virginia / Young Adult