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Updated by madison-womack on Mar 06, 2018
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5 Things You Didn't Know About Trans Health

With Transgender Day of Visibility on the 28th of March, it's important to know the difficulties that the Trans community experience in healthcare.

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1.) Some Trans People Have to Travel Great Lengths For Care

1.) Some Trans People Have to Travel Great Lengths For Care

Finding a provider who takes trans clients can be quite difficult. Some cities can be more welcoming than others, but for those that live in ones that are not, traveling is the only option. It's vital that a trans client goes to a doctor that is not only accepting, but highly educated about the trans community and how to treat them.

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2.) Doctors Are Not Legally Required To Treat Trans People

2.) Doctors Are Not Legally Required To Treat Trans People

You read that right. Doctors can refuse to treat trans individuals. If a doctor feels uncomfortable, they can claim religious freedom. This can even be in the instance of an emergency. For example, if a trans individual was in an accident, a paramedic could refuse to treat.

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3.) Being Trans Is Expensive (And NOT A Choice!)

3.) Being Trans Is Expensive (And NOT A Choice!)

Cost is a major issue when it comes to trans health. Insurance isn't always available to trans individuals, and when it is, it rarely covers necessities. This includes Hormone Replacement Therapy and Gender Confirmation Surgery.

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4.) Paperwork Matters

4.) Paperwork Matters

Medical paperwork doesn't always have a space for a preferred name. It usually only has a space for a legal name. This is problematic due to the fact that not all trans people are able to get their name legally changed. It's very possible for trans people to get called the wrong name, and be outed to the entire waiting room.

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5.) Things are better, but there are still many obstacles to overcome.

5.) Things are better, but there are still many obstacles to overcome.

Discrimination towards the trans community has not gone away even though people have become more accepting. People are afraid of what they don't know. Educate yourselves, educate others, and stand up for trans rights!