Transgender Health Care Access in Virginia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

We explored health care access experiences of 32 male-to-female (MtF) and 15 female-to-male (FtM) transgender people of different ethnicities in Virginia using data from focus groups conducted in 2004. Victimization associated with social stigmatization played a dominant role in participants’ lives, manifested by discrimination; violence; and health care provider insensitivity, hostility, and ignorance of transgender health. Access to transgender-related medical services that would allow participants to pass in their chosen genders was their highest medical priority. Faced with barriers to access, hormonal self-medication was common, and silicone injections were reported by both MtF and FtM participants. Due to economic vulnerability, sex work was reported as a source of income by both MtFs and FtMs. MtFs expressed concern over confidentiality of HIV testing and additional discrimination if testing positive. FtMs expressed difficulty accessing gynecological care due to their masculine gender identities and expressions. Cultural and technical competency training for providers and implementation of local programs in transgender hormonal therapy are recommended to improve transgender health care access.

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