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Supporting a transgender or nonbinary friend, loved one, or family member while they look for gender-affirming health care

By: Plume Community Member

Supporting a transgender or nonbinary friend, family member, or loved one as they look for gender-affirming health care can be a difficult and overwhelming process. It is important to understand the basics of gender-affirming health care and to be prepared to provide support during the journey. This article will provide an overview of gender-affirming health care and provide strategies to support your loved one in finding the gender-affirming care they need.

What is Gender-Affirming Health Care?

Gender-affirming health care is a type of health care that affirms a person’s gender identity and expression. It is based on the premise that gender is not binary, but rather a spectrum of identities. Gender-affirming health care can include gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT, sometimes also called HRT or hormone replacement therapy), gender-affirming surgeries, mental health support, and other medical and social services.

Gender-affirming health care is a critical part of the transition process for transgender and nonbinary people. It can help them feel more comfortable in their bodies and in their gender identity. It can also provide access to necessary medical care and support. For many transgender and nonbinary people, gender-affirming health care is a life-saving intervention.

Why is Gender-Affirming Health Care Important for Transgender and Nonbinary People?

Gender-affirming health care is important for transgender and nonbinary people for many reasons. It can help them feel more comfortable in their gender identity, reduce gender dysphoria, and provide access to the medical care they need. It can also provide other benefits such as improved mental and physical health, increased self-esteem, and greater social acceptance.

Gender-affirming health care is also important because it helps to reduce discrimination and stigma against transgender and nonbinary people. When health care providers are trained in gender-affirming care, it can create a more welcoming and affirming environment for transgender and nonbinary patients.

Barriers to Gender-Affirming Health Care for Transgender and Nonbinary People

Unfortunately, there are many barriers that can prevent transgender and nonbinary people from accessing gender-affirming health care. You can read about how to overcome health care barriers here. These barriers can include financial and logistical issues, lack of insurance coverage, difficulty finding providers who are knowledgeable about gender-affirming care, and discrimination and stigma from health care providers.

Transgender and nonbinary youth face multiple barriers when it comes to accessing gender-affirming health care. These youth may have difficulty finding providers who are knowledgeable about gender-affirming care, have difficulty navigating the insurance system, and face discrimination from health care providers.

How to Support a Transgender or Nonbinary Friend, Family Member, or Loved One Looking for Gender-Affirming Care

Supporting a transgender or nonbinary friend, family member, or loved one as they look for gender-affirming health care can be a challenging task. It is important to provide emotional support and understanding as they navigate the process. Here are some tips for how to support your loved one as they look for gender-affirming care:

  • Take the time to understand and learn about gender-affirming health care.
  • Listen to your loved one’s needs and concerns.
  • Respect their decisions and be supportive of their choices.
  • Help them research and find providers who are knowledgeable about gender-affirming care.
  • Offer to accompany them to appointments or help them find transportation if needed.
  • Advocate for them if they face discrimination or stigma from health care providers.

Finding Gender-Affirming Health Care for Transgender and Nonbinary People

Plume was co-founded by Dr. Jerrica Kirkley (she/her), a trans woman doctor who learned how finding gender-affirming health care for transgender and nonbinary people can be a difficult and frustrating process. Plume exists as a resource to support our community and our Members. We encourage supportive friends and family members research providers. Look for experienced providers who are knowledgeable about gender-affirming care and to be aware of the barriers that can prevent access to care. Here are some tips for finding gender-affirming care:

  • Research providers who are knowledgeable about gender-affirming care.
  • Look for providers who are LGBTQ+ friendly and who understand the unique needs of transgender and nonbinary people.
  • Ask your provider if they are knowledgeable about gender-affirming care and if they accept insurance for gender-affirming services such as gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and gender-affirming surgery.
  • Ask friends, family, and support networks for recommendations.
  • Contact local LGBTQ+ organizations and transgender support groups for referrals.

Strategies for Advocating for Your Loved One in a Health Care Setting

Advocating for your transgender or nonbinary loved one in a health care setting can be a difficult and intimidating task. However, remember that it is harder for your loved one than it is for you! To be an ally, it is important to be prepared and to know how to advocate for your loved one in a health care setting. Here are some tips for advocating for your loved one:

  • Understand your loved one’s rights in a health care setting.
  • Speak up if you feel your loved one is being treated unfairly or discriminated against.
  • Ask questions and be prepared to advocate for your loved one if their needs are not being met.
  • Ask for help if you need it. Reach out to local LGBTQ+ organizations and transgender support groups for help and advice.

Resources for Transgender and Nonbinary People Seeking Gender-Affirming Care

There are many resources available for transgender and nonbinary people seeking gender-affirming care. These resources can help you find knowledgeable providers, understand the health care system, and provide support. Here are some resources for transgender and nonbinary people seeking gender-affirming care:

Plume Support Groups: Plume support groups offer our Members access to a safe and supportive community space where facilitators guide conversations about the many aspects of identity and transition. Interested in checking out Plume support groups? You can sign up to start your membership today and use this Member benefit immediately.

Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Youth in Finding Gender-Affirming Care

Supporting transgender and nonbinary youth in finding gender-affirming care can be a difficult and overwhelming task. It is important to provide support and understanding as they navigate the process. Here are some tips for supporting transgender and nonbinary youth in finding gender-affirming care:

  • Provide emotional support and understanding.
  • Listen to their needs and concerns.
  • Respect their decisions and be supportive of their choices.
  • Help them research and find providers who are knowledgeable about gender-affirming care.
  • Offer to accompany them to appointments or help them find transportation if needed.
  • Advocate for them if they face discrimination or stigma from health care providers.

Conclusion

Supporting a transgender or nonbinary friend, family member, or loved one as they look for gender-affirming health care can be a difficult and overwhelming process. Remember that this journey is harder for the person seeking care than it is for you, their ally!  

To be the best support possible, it is important to understand the basics of gender-affirming health care and to be prepared to provide support during the journey. This article provided an overview of gender-affirming health care and provided strategies to support your loved one in finding the gender-affirming care they need. We hope this article has been helpful in understanding gender-affirming health care and supporting your transgender or nonbinary loved one in finding the gender-affirming care they need.

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