How is the US Prepared to Help Trans and Gender Expansive People Transition?

by

by : 
Reed J.

Summary

54% of trans youth claimed to have attempted suicide, and 21% have tried self-mutilation (ACOG, 2011). These horrific facts are the reason why safe, affordable medical and legal treatment for trans and gender-expansive people is necessary. Treatment can look different for everyone, but generally speaking, it includes a combination of taking hormones or getting surgery, legally changing their name and/or sex marker, or having their family and friends use a different name and set of pronouns. Most of the time, trans rights are overlooked and not discussed — many insurance companies don't cover hormone therapy or surgeries. Most US states don't have laws protecting trans people in work environments, housing, and medical situations. Combining these things makes it very hard for trans people to transition socially, legally, and medically, increasing anxiety, depression, and suicide rates. This research project will conduct a survey and analyze the results with correlation research. The survey will ask trans and gender-expansive people questions about their experiences and opinions on how easy it is to transition in the US and what systems should be improved to help them.