Transgender adults are a marginalized group that faces discrimination, harassment, and even violence. But a new Washington Post-KFF poll reported that despite the struggles and inequality they are up against—the majority of trans people say that transitioning made them happier and more satisfied with their lives.
In a recent Sermo poll, physicians reported similar findings—with 60% saying that in their experience, transgender people are happier after transitioning, because despite their struggles, living authentically is essential to their mental health.
According to the poll, 56% of Sermo doctors have treated transgender patients; and 70% of physicians said in their experience, transgender people face stigma and systemic inequality in many aspects of their lives, including education, work and health-care access. Trans adults are also more likely to feel anxiety and depression, according to 91% of Sermo physicians.
74% of doctors said they feel people’s perceptions of trans people are changing and becoming more accepting.
Here is more of what Sermo physicians have to say on this topic—their medical perspectives and opinions—in their own words:
“My state of California has become the primary refuge for trans individuals who have faced discrimination and harassment. The patients I have seen have had depression and anxiety. I treat each as an individual as I would with CIS gender individuals. My primary goal is to treat their health issues appropriately and without bias.”
Psychiatry, U.S.
“Undoubtedly, for transgender people, the possibility of showing themselves as they are frees them from the pretense and appearances to which they were subjected and this translates into greater spiritual and psychological well-being, despite in some way the rejection by the Society if they can create them. some degree of anxiety and depression.”
Stomatology, Cuba
“One should start by acknowledging that these individuals are for real, that they are not making this up. I am baffled when politicians deny its existence. They have access to professionals who can educate them. How to treat is another issue. They are not necessarily overwhelmingly happy after transitioning. Is society partly to blame? Do we fully understand the effects of medications used?”
Psychiatry, U.S.
“It would be very good to know if MTF (fewer surgeries) or FTM are happier. It would be good to know if surgical complications effects their happiness years from now.”
Psychiatry, U.S.
“The transgender community has always been subject to abuse and discrimination by a large part of society. Access to healthcare is compromised for this reason within this community, and in most cases, a lack of adequate training on the part of medical professionals leads to easily avoidable situations.”
Family Medicine, Spain
“I think that transgender people do face stigma and inequality in many aspects of their lives, since despite the disclosure of these issues and the fight to insert these people into society in an egalitarian way, there are still many people who discriminate and who do not accept a transgender in their family nucleus or in society. Sometimes they are discriminated against by their own family, and evidently they suffer for this cause.
Dermatology, Cuba
I also think that in some ways these transgender people are happier after the transition because it is a dream come true for them and a very important change in their lives.”
“In my country, the way of seeing and valuing trans people is changing. They are human beings full of values, needs that deserve respect from all and that their rights are fulfilled despite everything. I have cared for several trans people above all due to psychological pathology, especially anxiety, depression due to being rejected.”
Family Practice, Cuba
“Transgender people are especially vulnerable to human rights violations when their name and sex on official documents do not match their gender identity or expression.”
Intensive Care, Cuba
“In my experience, even in medical offices, transgender patients suffer from stigmatization, even by some health professionals.”
Endocrinology, Cuba
“My experience with patients is the opposite of the above study; they have been equally anxious and unhappy as before the transition or worse.”
Pediatrics, U.S.
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