Transcending Barriers: Understanding the Prevalence and Drivers of Healthcare Avoidance Among the Transgender Community

Transgender people encounter barriers to healthcare access on many levels that contribute to their delay or complete avoidance of healthcare, which can lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes. The recent uptick in both scientific and public interest towards transgender individuals has brought up concerns about their mental health and well-being, as current research suggests that they may be at an increased risk for discrimination, prejudice, various forms of psychopathology and lower quality of life. As a result of social stigma, minority stress, and interpersonal problems, transgender individuals experience elevated rates of anticipated and enacted stigma, thus furthering their odds of healthcare avoidance. In this review, the practical role of gender affirming healthcare is discussed, as well as the benefits of having access to competent medical professionals and social support. The conclusion of this review leads to an outline of possible implications of healthcare avoidance, including suggestions for healthcare professionals and relatives or friends of a transgender individual.