Dr. Alan L. Hart (formerly Alberta Lucille Hart) was a talented doctor and writer. He transitioned from a woman to a man in 1920 and wrote four medical novels reflecting his own struggles. Between 1918 and 1927, he worked as a doctor in seven states and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Master’s degree in Radiology.
In Dr. Hart’s fictional book, The Undaunted, the main character, Dr. Sandy Farquhar, contemplates suicide due to the negativity surrounding being gay but ultimately dies while trying to save a child from drowning. Dr. Hart, however, went on to save many lives with his ability to detect tuberculosis (TB) in chest X-rays. He effectively stopped the spread of the disease by isolating TB patients from others.
During Dr. Hart’s time, TB was considered a shaming disease. Because of his own struggles, he was able to empathize with those afflicted. He was a trailblazer whose methods for identifying TB in X-rays are still in use today. Despite being a trans man whose contributions to medicine and society are profoundly significant, the struggles he faced remain prevalent today.
As we honor the contributions of talented individuals like Dr. Hart this Transgender Awareness Week, we recognize that there is still much work to be done. Transgender individuals continue to need support, especially in healthcare, as they often encounter prejudice, discrimination and violence.
While access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, many transgender people find navigating the healthcare system overwhelming and challenging. Let us explore how healthcare can become a safe space for trans individuals to receive the care they need.
Overcoming Discrimination and Stigma
A 2015 survey conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) found that 23% of transgender individuals avoid seeking healthcare due to fears of mistreatment by medical staff. Such mistreatment can range from healthcare providers refusing to use the correct pronouns to outright denial of care, even for serious conditions.
Many healthcare providers lack adequate training on health issues related to transgender individuals, leading to delayed treatment and insufficient understanding of gender-affirming care. According to the same 2015 survey, 33% of participants reported having to educate their healthcare providers about care for transgender people, underscoring the need for better education in medical schools.
Additionally, some states in the U.S. have laws that allow insurance companies to deny coverage for gender-affirming care. This has made treatments such as hormone therapies or surgeries financially prohibitive. For some individuals, these procedures are medically necessary but are classified as “cosmetic” by insurance companies and thus not covered.
What is Gender-Affirming Care?
Gender-affirming care encompasses the medical, psychological and social services that support a person’s gender identity. These services are crucial for the well-being of transgender individuals. Treatment options include hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, voice therapy, and counseling.
Research shows that when transgender individuals can access gender-affirming care, both their mental and physical health improve. They experience decreased anxiety and depression, and they feel more comfortable in their bodies, which leads to better overall mental well-being. Treatments like hormone therapy help transgender individuals live authentically and to the fullest.
Given that the attempted suicide rate among transgender individuals is around 40%, gender-affirming care has been shown to significantly reduce suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Resources for finding healthcare providers that include Trans people:
– GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality
GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality is the largest and oldest group of LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals. Their free LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory lists doctors in the U.S. and Canada who understand LGBTQ+ health needs.
– The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is a non-profit focused on transgender health. They offer a directory to help people find trained providers in transgender and gender-affirming care across specialties.
Transhealth is a healthcare center for trans and gender-diverse people and families. They offer gender-affirming services like primary care, mental health support, hormone therapy, and surgical letters. Community programs include a drop-in space, events, a clothing closet, insurance help, and HIV/STI prevention.
Planned Parenthood provides affordable sexual and reproductive health care and is the largest provider of sex education. They offer gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy, for transgender and nonbinary patients in a welcoming environment.
Healthcare is important for supporting transgender people, but they face many challenges when trying to get the care they need.
With better education and increased access to gender-affirming care, transgender people can get the medical help that can be lifesaving.
