Abstract

Concealment or hiding a transgender (trans) identity from a medical professional can negatively affect the care one receives. Reluctancy to disclose may be further exasperated when interacting with an unfamiliar physician or health provider. Using the Virginia Transgender Health Initiative Study (THIS) data containing (n = 344) self-identified trans individuals, a two-step logistical regression was used to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics, experiences with discrimination, interpersonal supports, and levels of discomfort discussing a trans-identity and health needs with an unknown physician. Findings offer insight into the effects of stigma-based rejection sensitivity among trans individuals and point to the importance of establishing culturally sensitive health practices in the medical field. More broadly, I illuminate practical implications for trans care as well as highlight promising future research directions in this area.

摘要

向医疗专业人员隐瞒或隐藏跨性别（trans）身份可能会对接受的护理产生负面影响。当与不熟悉的医生或健康提供者互动时，不愿透露可能会被进一步激怒。使用弗吉尼亚跨性别健康倡议研究 (THIS) 数据包含 ( n = 344) 自我认同的跨性别个体，使用两步逻辑回归来检查人口特征、歧视经历、人际支持以及与不知名医生讨论跨身份和健康需求的不适程度之间的关系。研究结果提供了对跨性别个体基于污名的拒绝敏感性的影响的洞察，并指出了在医学领域建立具有文化敏感性的健康实践的重要性。更广泛地说，我阐明了跨性别护理的实际意义，并强调了该领域未来有希望的研究方向。