Austin H Johnson1,2, Ivy Hill2, Jasmine Beach-Ferrara2, Baker A Rogers3, Andrew Bradford4. 1. Department of Sociology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, USA. 2. Campaign for Southern Equality, Asheville, NC, USA. 3. Department of Sociology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA. 4. School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Abstract
Background: Transgender and non-binary people are more likely to face barriers to healthcare than their cisgender counterparts. The majority of work in this area centers on the experiences of transgender people in northern cities and urban enclaves, yet over 500,000 transgender people live in the U.S. Southeast. Aims: The purpose of this study is to explore barriers to healthcare among transgender people in the U.S. Southeast. Methods: The research team conducted four 120-minute focus groups (eligibility criteria: 18 years or older, self-identify as transgender, live in the U.S. Southeast). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire prior to the start of the focus group. Each focus group explored access to and experiences of receiving basic healthcare as a transgender person in the U.S. Southeast. Established qualitative methods were used to conduct the focus groups and data analysis. Results: Participants (n = 48) ranged in age from 19 to 65, with the majority identifying as trans women (43.8%) and non-binary (33.3%). The sample was racially diverse: White (50%), Black (37.5%), and Latinx or Multiracial (12.5%). Multiple barriers to care were identified: (1) fear and mistrust of providers; (2) inconsistency in access to healthcare; (3) disrespect from providers; and, (4) mistreatment due to intersecting experiences of gender, race, class, and location. Discussion: Transgender Southerners face barriers to care at the structural, cultural, and interpersonal levels. The study results have implications for researchers, as well as providers, practices, and health care systems throughout the region.
Background: Transgender and non-binary people are more likely to face barriers to healthcare than their cisgender counterparts. The majority of work in this area centers on the experiences of transgender people in northern cities and urban enclaves, yet over 500,000 transgender people live in the U.S. Southeast. Aims: The purpose of this study is to explore barriers to healthcare among transgender people in the U.S. Southeast. Methods: The research team conducted four 120-minute focus groups (eligibility criteria: 18 years or older, self-identify as transgender, live in the U.S. Southeast). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire prior to the start of the focus group. Each focus group explored access to and experiences of receiving basic healthcare as a transgender person in the U.S. Southeast. Established qualitative methods were used to conduct the focus groups and data analysis. Results:Participants (n = 48) ranged in age from 19 to 65, with the majority identifying as trans women (43.8%) and non-binary (33.3%). The sample was racially diverse: White (50%), Black (37.5%), and Latinx or Multiracial (12.5%). Multiple barriers to care were identified: (1) fear and mistrust of providers; (2) inconsistency in access to healthcare; (3) disrespect from providers; and, (4) mistreatment due to intersecting experiences of gender, race, class, and location. Discussion: Transgender Southerners face barriers to care at the structural, cultural, and interpersonal levels. The study results have implications for researchers, as well as providers, practices, and health care systems throughout the region.
Authors: Walter O Bockting; Michael H Miner; Rebecca E Swinburne Romine; Autumn Hamilton; Eli Coleman Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2013-03-14 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Kirsten A Gonzalez; Roberto L Abreu; Cristalís Capielo Rosario; Jasmine M Koech; Gabriel M Lockett; Louis Lindley Journal: Int J Transgend Health Date: 2020-10-15
Authors: C Riley Hostetter; Jarrod Call; Donald R Gerke; Brendon T Holloway; N Eugene Walls; Jennifer C Greenfield Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-01-22 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Shanna K Kattari; Jarrod Call; Brendon T Holloway; Leonardo Kattari; Kristie L Seelman Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-10 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Joy L Lee; Monica Huffman; Nicholas A Rattray; Jennifer L Carnahan; J Dennis Fortenberry; Janine M Fogel; Michael Weiner; Marianne S Matthias Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2022-02-02 Impact factor: 6.473