The Impact of Gender-Affirming Care on Youth Mental Health

Studies illustrate the significant positive impact of gender-affirming care on the mental health and overall well-being of gender diverse, transgender, and nonbinary children and adolescents. Offering opportunities and guidance to these individuals greatly improves the mental health and overall well-being of gender diverse, transgender, and nonbinary children and adolescents.

Legislative Hurdles in Accessing Gender-Affirming Care

Unfortunately, 2023 witnessed a surge in legislative attempts across numerous states to restrict, ban, or criminalize access to gender-affirming treatments for transgender youth under 18. For instance, the recent passage of a bill in the Arkansas Senate prohibits doctors from administering puberty blockers and gender-affirming surgery to transgender and nonbinary minors (TGNB). Similar bills have been proposed in several other states, introducing legal barriers and threats of criminalization for medical providers and consenting parents.

2024 is proving to be an even more difficult year, as record-breaking numbers of bills restricting access to care have been introduced into legislatures across the country. Families are forced to make difficult decisions about stopping this life-saving care or relocating to areas that have protected access. Many states are losing their talented providers, and the waitlists for this life-affirming care grow longer. 

Mental Health Challenges and the Vital Role of Gender-Affirming Care

These legislative measures not only defy scientific consensus but also pose serious threats to the mental well-being of TGNB youth, many of whom grapple with gender dysphoria. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are disproportionately high among TGNB adolescents and young adults compared to their cisgender counterparts. In contrast, research consistently demonstrates the positive mental health outcomes associated with gender-affirming care.

Components of Gender-Affirming Care

Gender-affirming care adopts an inclusive approach that respects and supports individuals in exploring and embracing their gender identities. Tailored to each individual's needs, this care model encompasses psychoeducation, parental and familial support, social interventions, and gender-affirming medical treatments.

Social Interventions

Social interventions, which are reversible and gradual, aim to alleviate distress and promote a sense of congruence between gender identity and expression. These interventions are also referred to as social transition, or most accurately as nonmedical gender affirmation. These interventions, such as using preferred names and pronouns, have been shown to reduce rates of depression and anxiety in TGNB children.

Medical Interventions

Pubertal suppression, a reversible intervention, enables TGNB youth to explore their gender identity without the distress of experiencing unwanted physical changes during puberty. Gender-affirming hormone therapy facilitates alignment between one's gender identity and physical characteristics, significantly alleviating gender dysphoria.

Accessible Courses

Courses at My Gender IQ offer a wide variety of support allowing you to understand the diverse landscape of gender identity and expression. It allows for participants to learn about the basics of gender identity, expression, and terminology, including transgender, nonbinary, and genderqueer identities. Through interactive quizzes, videos, and resources, participants will assess their own understanding of gender diversity and explore strategies for creating inclusive environments.

Opposition to Restrictive Legislation

Organizations such as My Gender IQ, endorse gender-affirming care for TGNB youth and actively oppose efforts to restrict access. Legal challenges have been initiated against laws that impede access to gender-affirming care, emphasizing the importance of upholding inclusive and evidence-based healthcare for vulnerable TGNB children and adolescents nationwide.

By Jess Romeo                       

Jess Romeo (he/they) is a transmasculine psychiatric nurse practitioner and clinical social worker in the DC metro area. He owns a private practice and is the founder and CEO of my gender IQ, providing education and mentorship on gender diversity to mental health clinicians, group practices, and small businesses.