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“I just felt supported”: Transgender and non-binary patient perspectives on receiving transition-related healthcare in family planning clinics

Author

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  • Natalie Ingraham
  • Lindsey Fox
  • Andres Leon Gonzalez
  • Aerin Riegelsberger

Abstract

Transgender and non-binary people face challenges in accessing gender affirming hormone therapy. Family planning clinics across the United States have greatly expanded transgender care services in the last ten years offering increased access to these services. This national qualitative study describes transgender and non-binary patients’ experiences of receiving transgender care in family planning clinics. We completed 34 in-depth interviews with transgender and non-binary people over age 18 who had received transition-related care at a family planning clinic in the last year from 2019–2020. We analyzed interview data in Dedoose using constant comparative analysis and inductive thematic analysis. Patients reported overwhelmingly positive experiences at family planning clinics and were especially surprised at the ease and speed of the informed consent process. Barriers to care remain for patients in rural areas, low income patients, and patients who need specialized care. Some of the barriers relate to the gender binary and transphobia built into the medical systems, which cause patients and providers to have to find “work arounds” the binary medical and insurance systems. Patients also shared their idealized visions of transition related care that center on strong referral networks and hiring of LGBTQ staff at the clinics. Family planning clinics currently provide affirming and supportive care, especially those that use the informed consent model. Family planning clinics could provide increased access to transgender healthcare outside of major metropolitan areas and for transgender and gender non-conforming clients across the lifespan.

Suggested Citation

  • Natalie Ingraham & Lindsey Fox & Andres Leon Gonzalez & Aerin Riegelsberger, 2022. "“I just felt supported”: Transgender and non-binary patient perspectives on receiving transition-related healthcare in family planning clinics," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(7), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0271691
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271691
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Poteat, Tonia & German, Danielle & Kerrigan, Deanna, 2013. "Managing uncertainty: A grounded theory of stigma in transgender health care encounters," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 22-29.
    2. Cruz, Taylor M., 2014. "Assessing access to care for transgender and gender nonconforming people: A consideration of diversity in combating discrimination," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 65-73.
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