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THREAD: This summary of key findings from the "largest-ever study of transgender and gender non-conforming people in the United States" is essential reading for #medical and #nursing personnel. 1/n
#TransAwarenessWeek
#TransHealthEthicsProject
#bioethics
thetaskforce.org/new-report-rev…

“Finding doctors who will treat, will prescribe, & will even look at you like a human being rather than a thing has been problematic. Have been denied care by doctors & major hospitals so much that... I never reveal my gender history.” — Survey Respondent 2/n

Nearly 1 in 5 trans folks surveyed (19 percent) reported being refused health care care outright because they were transgender or gender non-conforming.

REIHELD NOTE: this is consistent across studies, & across US and Canada. Access to care is about bias, not just systems. 3/n

Survey participants--over 6,000 trans and gender non-conforming folks--reported very high levels of postponing medical care when sick or injured due to discrimination and disrespect (28 percent).

REIHELD NOTE: surveys consistently show this for preventive AND emergency care. 4/n

Significant lack of provider knowledge: 50% reported having to teach their medical providers about transgender care.

REIHELD NOTE: Yup. Another finding that crops up in studies internationally at very high levels. At least these #Doctors and #nurses r willing to learn. 5/n

A staggering 41% of respondents reported attempting suicide compared to 1.6% of the general population.

REIHELD NOTE: again, consistent with other studies. Support for social transition--using name and pronouns, treating with respect, etc.--drops this rate to nearer normal. 6/n

"It is outrageous that basic health care is being denied to transgender & gender non-conforming people, & that so much additional trauma is being caused by doctors instead of being resolved by doctors...." - Task Force Director Rea Carey

REIHELD NOTE: Strong agree. 7/n

"The medical profession must... ensure that everyone in the medical care system knows how to provide transgender-sensitive medical care." -Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey

REIHELD NOTE: My own interviews indicate this MUST include front office staff. 8/8