Transgender Health Risks

Health Risks and Factors Associated with Positive Health Outcomes in Transgender Women There are an estimated 1 million people in the United States who identify as transgender, although demographic data is limited because many data collection tools do not include options for those who are transgendered to identify as such (Stroumsa, 2014). According the the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) 2011 report on the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (LGBTQ) in the United States, estimates on the size of the female transgender population ranges from one in 2,900 to one in 100,000, based on the number of transgender adults presenting for treatment of gender dysphoria worldwide. The IOM report (2011) found in its research review

Male-to-female transgenders, often known as trans women or transgender females, were assigned male sex at birth but identify as female. Transgender women may be attracted to men, women, other transgenders or a combination thereof. Transgendered females may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual in their sexual orientation. Estimates on the size of the female transgender population (born biologically male and currently identifies as female) ranges from one in 2,900 to one in 100,000 (IOM

The Fenway Health transgender clinic is one of the most recognized and effective transgender-specific health clinics in the U.S. (Roller et al. 2015). Fenway Health, an early pioneer in HIV care, implemented services to address gaps in non-HIV related healthcare for its transgender population starting in 1997 (Reisner et al. 2015). Through hiring of peers, providing transgender-specific training to staff and offering of gender affirmation services, the clinic went from eight patients in 1997 to over 1200 by 2014. The clinic implements an “modified informed consent” model which reduces barriers to services such as requiring a mental health evaluation prior to the initiation of hormone therapy (Reisner et al. 2015). The comprehensive model includes primary care, transition and gender affirmation services such as post-operative wound care, counseling and sexual health support. The clinic has purposefully moved away from pathologizing transgenders and seeing transgender as a disorder to focusing on gender identity and gender diversity from a strengths perspective. The lessons and clinical protocols from the Fenway Clinic could be used in other areas, such as Hawaii, with modifications based on local culture and