Moving Beyond “Call Me Caitlyn”: Transgender Health in the American South

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

3-3-2016

Abstract

In April 2015, Caitlyn Jenner came out to the world as an openly transgender woman. Although her announcement undoubtedly raised awareness about gender identity, transgender persons continue to experience a range of health disparities (e.g., high rates of violence, substance abuse, and mental health problems) when compared to their cisgender counterparts. In addition, transgender persons often forgo or delay services out of fear that comprehensive or compassionate health care will not be provided because of their gender identity (IOM, 2011; USDHHS, 2011). This presentation will explore the limitations of approaching transgender health from a lens of privilege, drawing on data from the 2013-2014 South Carolina LGBT Needs Assessment. We also discuss specific provisions in the Affordable Care Act to reduce transgender health disparities. Finally, we will explore how the regional context of the American South must be taken into consideration when designing programs to promote the health of transgender persons.

Sponsorship/Conference/Institution

Association for Women in Psychology Annual Conference (AWP)

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

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