A Qualitative Exploration of Trans Adults’ Experiences of Engaging with Health Professionals in Australia

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Abstract
Introduction: Research demonstrates that trans and gender diverse (trans) individuals often encounter health practitioners who are ill-informed and discriminatory. These experiences contribute to healthcare avoidance, increase the risk of self-harm and suicide, and limit access to gender-affirming care. Methods: This qualitative study utilised detailed responses to an open-ended survey question within an online survey ( n = 196) to explore the experiences of trans adults engaging with health professionals in Australia. The data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: An inductive approach was adopted, and four themes were derived from the data. The results highlight that Australian trans adults experience the following: (1) healthcare provider choice is carefully considered , (2) treatment refusal and instilled hopelessness , (3) the incompetent practitioner’s role in delaying affirming care , and (4) the psychological burden of educating the health professional. Conclusions: Participants recounted experiences with healthcare professionals that were negative, characterised by incompetency and restricted access to gender-affirming care. Policy Implications: The findings underscore the urgent need for policy reforms to ensure access to community-led training on gender-affirming healthcare for all healthcare professionals in Australia. Such policies would improve practitioner competency, reduce barriers to care, and mitigate the adverse mental health impacts experienced by trans individuals due to inadequate or discriminatory treatment.
Funding Information
  • Australian Research Council (DE230101636)
  • La Trobe University

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