Transgender Health

The second week in November (13th - 19th) is recognized as Transgender Awareness Week to bring education and visibility to issues that affect the transgender community, such as discrimination and health disparities. You may be familiar with Transgender Day of Remembrance, on November 20th, which is an annual day to recognize the lives lost to transphobic violence in the past year. 

Transgender people experience unique barriers to accessing healthcare. Trans people are more likely to experience discrimination, violence, and trauma, and consequently are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation. Trans people are also less likely to have health insurance or to have a trusted primary care doctor.

If you are looking for a trans-affirming physician, please reach out to us at the LGBTQ Center.

There are also many misconceptions surrounding gender-affirming care, for both adults and youth. At the LGBTQ Center, we are currently developing a program that details gender-affirming care for those who are unfamiliar, especially parents and caregivers. Please reach out to us if you are interested in this presentation!

We will also be streaming the Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil in Tompkins County from the LGBTQ Center on November 15th from 7-9pm. Please join us to honor the lives we’ve lost in 2023.

If you yourself are a transgender adult or questioning your gender identity, we encourage you attend our monthly GEAR group at the Center!