Supporting health professionals who serve gender-diverse youth

Abstract

Health care providers have recently experienced a significant increase in gender-diverse youth seeking gender-affirming care. Politicians have responded by introducing legislation in dozens of states banning or limiting access to gender-affirming care, especially for youth. This coordinated legislative campaign has been accompanied by a multitude of threats against both hospitals and health care providers who offer gender-affirming care to youth. This commentary provides an overview of these recent developments, highlighting the role that affirmation of gender identity plays in reducing suicide risk among trans youth. The commentary recommends five concrete steps that health care providers and systems can take to support their colleagues who provide gender-affirming care and their patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).