Kelly Houske, a transgender woman, has experienced mistreatment by health care providers on multiple occasions. One incident involved a technician who shouted at her to climb out of a scanner herself despite her extreme pain. This mistreatment is not unique to Houske, as surveys have shown that discrimination against transgender patients is common in healthcare settings, leading some to delay or avoid seeking care altogether.
Under President Donald Trump, there have been concerns that protections for transgender patients established by the Obama and Biden administrations will be rolled back. Trump has issued numerous executive orders restricting transgender rights, including limiting access to transition-related health care. These actions have caused distress among transgender patients and their healthcare providers.
Legal protections for transgender patients are grounded in the Affordable Care Act, which bans discrimination based on sex. However, interpretations of this ban have varied among different administrations. Trump’s actions have raised alarms among advocates for LGBTQ rights, as they fear that healthcare providers may feel emboldened to deny care to transgender patients without federal protections.
Some states, following Trump’s example, have already started restricting the rights of transgender individuals. This has created barriers for transgender patients seeking healthcare, leading to worse physical and mental health outcomes.
Despite efforts by medical schools and professional societies to offer training in LGBTQ health needs, many doctors feel unprepared to treat transgender patients. The political climate, particularly Trump’s stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion, has made it challenging to include sexual orientation and gender identity in medical education. It is crucial to continue advocating for the protection and fair treatment of transgender patients in healthcare settings.
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