Transgender people face discrimination
March 28, 2024
A large survey of those identifying as either binary or nonbinary transgender people shows that many feel discriminated against both by their health care providers and by insurance companies. The survey, administered by the National Center for Transgender Equality, had over 92,000 respondents, and was completed in Fall 2022 with preliminary results released last month. Over a third of respondents (38%) identified as nonbinary, about a third as transgender women (35%), about a quarter (25%) as transgender men, and 2% as crossdressers. The respondents were diverse (56% White people, 14% Latino, 13% biracial, and 8% Black people). However, this was not a scientific survey in that it was fielded by an advocacy organization and asked participants to help in survey recruitment.
Over a quarter (28%) said that they didn’t see a health care provider when they needed to due to cost, and almost a quarter (24%) said they didn’t see a health care provider due to fear of mistreatment. Of those who did see a health care provider, almost half (48%) reported at least one negative experience, including being misgendered, refused health care, or subject to verbal or physical abuse.
The overwhelming majority of respondents (87%) reported that they had health insurance. Just over a quarter (26%) said they had at least one issue with their insurance, including denials for care related to gender identity or transition or denial of appropriate routine care.
The majority who had transitions reported that they were more satisfied with their lives (94%) and 98% of those who received hormone therapy reported that this improved their life satisfaction. This might not be representative all those in the transgender community, as those who were unhappy with transition would have been less likely to complete this survey.
One in nine (11%) said they had been fired, forced to resign, lost a job, or were laid off due to their gender identity or expression.
Implications for employers:
- Transgender people continue to face challenges in the community, at work, and when receiving medical care.
- Employers can help create an inclusive environment for their employees at the workplace and can design their medical benefits to support the medical needs of this community.