Survey: Almost half of trans-identifying individuals experienced significant psychological distress in the past month
Close to Half of Trans-Identifying People in US Survey Report “Serious Psychological Distress”
About 44% of those surveyed in the US Transgender Survey from the National Center for Transgender Equality reported experiencing “serious psychological distress” in the last 30 days. This survey, conducted from October 19 to December 5, 2022, polled 92,329 individuals who identify as transgender or non-binary, including over 7,000 teenagers aged 16 and 17.
Homelessness and Supportive Families
The preliminary analysis of the survey’s findings, released on Wednesday, revealed that nearly a third of trans-identifying individuals had experienced homelessness at some point. Additionally, among the survey’s teen respondents, 44% reported having supportive families for their new gender identities.
Limitations and Demographics
It is important to note that this survey cannot be considered representative of the entire US trans-identifying population. The survey did not use a random sample and skewed towards a younger demographic, with 43% of adults polled being 24 years old or younger.
The study included a higher number of biological women than men, with 55% identifying as women, 43% as men, and 2% as crossdressers. Among the respondents, 35% were biological men identifying as women, 25% were biological women identifying as men, and the largest group at 38% identified as non-binary.
Satisfaction with Life and Medical Interventions
The study reported that the majority of individuals who lived at least some of their time as their new gender identity, 94%, expressed higher satisfaction with life. Furthermore, 98% of those currently receiving hormone treatments and 97% of those who had undergone gender surgery reported increased satisfaction with life due to these medical interventions.
Critiques and Exclusions
However, critics have raised concerns about the survey’s conclusions, pointing out that it did not include detransitioners, individuals who no longer identify as transgender. Journalist Jesse Singal emphasized that the survey focused on those who currently identify as trans and sought to participate in a study about transgender experiences.
The level of complete statistical iliteracy on the part of people who claim to be watchdogs continues to grate on me.
This survey examined those who *currently identify as trans* and who sought to participate in a study about that! Detransitioners were definitionally excluded. https://t.co/F1RDAJvlAX
— Jesse Singal (@jessesingal) February 7, 2024
According to Singal, the survey intentionally excluded detransitioners, as it focused on individuals who currently identify as transgender.
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Studies have shown that some individuals may regret their gender transitions after several years. One study from 2022 found that 30% of over 950 teenagers had stopped taking cross-sex hormones after four years.
Among the adult respondents in the survey, nearly a third had experienced homelessness, over a third were living in poverty, and the unemployment rate was 18%.
The full report, containing the survey’s 600 questions, is expected to be released later this year.
How does discrimination impact the mental health of trans-identifying individuals?
Interventions.
Discrimination and Mental Health
The survey also highlighted the pervasive issue of discrimination faced by trans-identifying individuals in various aspects of their lives. The findings revealed that nearly three-quarters of respondents had experienced mistreatment or discrimination in public places, such as restaurants, schools, or workplaces. Additionally, 70% reported experiencing verbal harassment, while 57% had experienced some form of physical assault.
These experiences of discrimination undoubtedly contribute to the high levels of psychological distress reported by the survey respondents. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation were prevalent among those surveyed. In fact, 40% of respondents reported having seriously considered suicide at some point in their lives, which is alarmingly higher than the national average.
Access to Healthcare
Another significant finding of the survey was the disparities in access to healthcare faced by trans-identifying individuals. Over half of the respondents reported having experienced insurance denial or other barriers when seeking healthcare services related to their gender transition. This lack of access to necessary medical care can further exacerbate mental health struggles and contribute to the overall distress experienced by trans-identifying individuals.
Implications and Steps Forward
The findings of this survey underscore the urgent need for increased support and resources for trans-identifying individuals. Addressing the mental health disparities and discrimination faced by this population requires comprehensive action from various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities. It is crucial to ensure that trans-identifying individuals have safe spaces to receive proper care and support for their mental health needs.
Efforts should also focus on improving access to gender-affirming healthcare services, including hormone treatments and gender-affirming surgeries. Removing barriers such as insurance denials and discriminatory practices will promote the overall well-being and satisfaction with life for trans-identifying individuals.
Additionally, society as a whole needs to continue working towards creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for trans-identifying individuals. This includes implementing policies and practices that protect their rights and challenge discriminatory behavior.
In conclusion, the US Transgender Survey sheds light on the significant mental health challenges faced by trans-identifying individuals. It highlights the urgent need for improved support, healthcare access, and societal acceptance. By addressing these issues, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive society for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
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