Bridging the Gap of Mental Health Inequalities in the Transgender Population: The Role of Nursing Education

Abstract

The transgender population experience mental health disparities as a result of numerous environmental, sociocultural and personal factors. Health care-related discrimination plays an unfortunate role in these disparities. The institutional and informational erasure of transgender individuals in health care actively contributes to this discrimination. The lack of preparation of health care professionals to care for this population is a significant factor. There is an absence of education on transgender topics in nursing school and a lack of nursing research on this population. An awareness through education of culturally competent transgender terminology is crucial to ensure a transinclusive environment is created. The creation of a transinclusive environment in the mental health care setting will ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.