Mental health disparities at the intersections of gender identity, race, and ethnicity

A growing body of research has identified health disparities among transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) adults in the United States, including substantial disparities in mental health, compared with their cisgender (heterosexual and sexual minority) counterparts. Differences in mental health may be influenced by the high levels of stress associated with being members of a marginalized social group as characterized by the minority stress model, which posits that worsened physical and mental health outcomes are the result of being the target of societal discrimination, prejudice, and stigma. Although cisgender lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people experience this increased stress due to discrimination and internalized homophobia, TGNC adults have unique experiences that are conferred by strict adherence to gender roles. Society's insistence on dichotomized gender identities can lead to misgendering of transgender people and create barriers to accessing transition-related and/or TGNC-affirming medical care. Research has shown that both misgendering and lack of access to affirming care are directly associated with negative mental health outcomes. (author introduction) #HES4A