Why's Gender Affirming Care Essential?
Understanding Gender-Affirming Care (GAC) is crucial in supporting individuals who identify as transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse. This form of care encompasses various methods aimed at helping people live authentically and happily in their gender, potentially reducing suicide rates within these communities.
GAC can cover a plethora of support methods, such as using preferred pronouns, hormone therapy, and surgeries. While anyone can receive GAC, it is particularly crucial for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals, who might benefit from reduced suicide rates.
This article delves into different types of GAC and its effects on both adults and minors.
Long-term GAC benefits
The primary goal of GAC is to validate a person's gender and enable them to live comfortably and authentically. While the concept of GAC may be relatively new to some, it has positively impacted countless lives for decades.
A 1970s study focusing on the long-term effects of gender-affirming surgeries reported significant improvements in body image, decreased gender dysphoria, and reduced suicidal ideation among transgender participants.
Suicide prevention
If someone is currently at risk of self-harm or suicide, urgently seek help. Ask open-ended questions, such as, "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" Listen without judgment and provide the person with contact information for crisis hotlines.
In the United States, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for individuals in need (988). Additionally, local resources and crisis hotlines can be found online.
GAC impacts on mental health
Research supports the notion that GAC can significantly improve mental health among transgender and gender-diverse individuals. For instance, a 2023 study reported high satisfaction levels among transgender individuals who underwent masculinizing top surgery, resulting in improved self-confidence, self-acceptance, and clothing confidence.
Furthermore, a different study discovered that transgender people who received gender-affirming surgery exhibited lower rates of psychological distress, reduced smoking rates, and lower levels of suicidal ideation.
Even minor changes, like using affirming pronouns, can have a major impact on mental health, as suggested by a 2023 survey from The Trevor Project. Transgender and nonbinary youth who lived with people who respected their pronouns experienced lower rates of attempted suicide.
GAC for minors
Transgender and gender-diverse youth often develop their gender identity from a young age, sometimes as early as childhood. Adolescence is a critical period for exploring and affirmed their gender identity through GAC.
A research study discovered that hormone therapy and puberty blockers, used to delay the onset of puberty and prevent unwanted physical changes, could significantly reduce depression and suicidal thoughts in transgender and nonbinary youth.
Moreover, a study found that transgender youth who received puberty suppression had lower lifetime rates of suicidal ideation.
Examples of GAC
GAC can take various forms, including social, medical, and legal support. Social transformations might involve changing a person's name, pronouns, or appearance through clothing and hairstyles. Surgical procedures, such as top, bottom, and facial surgeries, can also regularly be performed to affirm a person's gender. Additionally, other nonsurgical treatments, like hormone therapy and laser hair removal, are available.
Potential risks and downsides of GAC
Despite its numerous benefits, GAC may also present certain challenges. For instance, some concerns might arise regarding puberty blockers' reversibility and long-term side effects. It is essential to discuss these potential risks with healthcare providers and learn more about the benefits and alternatives to ensure optimal and informed choices.
Risks of denying GAC
Delaying or denying access to GAC can exacerbate mental health issues and contribute to increased risk factors, such as depression, self-harm, and suicide ideation. Compelling research supports the long-term benefits of providing timely GAC, ensuring that individuals can live authentically and happily in their chosen gender.
Available resources and support for adults and minors
A variety of resources and organizations are available to transgender and gender-diverse individuals and their families, ensuring they have the support they need during their journey. Some popular options include The Trevor Project, GLAAD, TransFamilies, and The It Gets Better Project.
In conclusion, this comprehensive review highlights the importance of GAC and its potential to significantly impact mental health, reduce suicide rates, and support individuals in living authentically and happily in their chosen gender. By recognizing the benefits of GAC and addressing any concerns, we can work towards creating more inclusive and supportive communities.
The use of preferred pronouns and other social transformations, such as changing one's name or appearance, are essential components of GAC that can positively impact the mental health of transgender and gender-diverse individuals, potentially reducing symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation.
Research has shown that gender-affirming surgeries can lead to improved body image, decreased gender dysphoria, and reduced suicidal ideation in transgender participants, demonstrating the long-term benefits of such interventions for mental health.
