Jessie Melina Garcia Gutiérrez, a PhD student in HSPOP and lead author on a new literature review discusses the importance of gender-affirming care amid bans taking place in 26 states across the nation.
Gender-affirming care bans are creating a mental health crisis for transgender youth, as highlighted by a new literature review from the University of Washington School of Public Health. The study shows that these bans, enacted in several states, prevent trans and gender-diverse youth from accessing essential health services that help reduce risks of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Without access to gender-affirming care, many young people are facing increased stigma, discrimination, and emotional distress.
Jessie Melina Garcia Gutiérrez, a PhD student in HSPOP and lead author on the literature review, emphasizes the profound impact these policies have on mental health. “Laws that ban gender-affirming care greatly undermine evidence-based practice that is developed and backed up by years of research and by the lived experiences of trans individuals and the professionals working with them throughout their gender transition process,” said Garcia Gutiérrez. “In more ways than one, it is irresponsible and unethical, and shows a complete lack of empathy and awareness of the impacts gender-affirming care has throughout trans individuals’ lives.”
Their research highlights how crucial gender-affirming care is for supporting the well-being and resilience of transgender youth. By disrupting these services, the bans are placing countless young people at risk of long-term psychological harm. To dive deeper into the issue and explore the research, read the full article below.