Barriers to primary and emergency healthcare for trans adults.

Abstract

Trans individuals are less healthy than the general population in part because of their avoidance and underutilisation of healthcare. Using qualitative research methods, the objective of this study was to explore the barriers trans adults encounter when pursuing primary and emergency care in Nova Scotia, Canada. Findings reveal that trans adults often feel discriminated against and socially excluded in primary and emergency care settings. This marginalisation is manifested in relationships with healthcare providers and within both the physical care and social care environments. The findings suggest that there is a 'discrimination continuum' with experiences of discrimination ranging from subtle to overt. Findings indicate that subtle discriminatory experiences may be encountered most frequently. Both kinds of experiences are reported to have detrimental consequences. The findings also indicate that trans adults are often burdened by the expectation that they will take on a more active role in their care than cisgender patients, including educating their healthcare providers and remaining resilient in the face of discrimination.