The Intersections of Transgender Identities and Physical Therapy
Transgender identity often contributes to significant barriers for individuals seeking health care as well as services throughout the community. Transgender individuals frequently experience bullying, harassment, verbal and even physical assaults. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, one-third of respondents had negative experiences at a health care provider due to transgender identity. One-quarter abstained entirely from pursuing necessary health care due to fear of being mistreated due to their identity. One in four transgender individuals experienced a problem with their insurance related to being transgender. More than half of those respondents were denied gender-affirming care by their insurance providers. As the physical therapy profession continues to seek autonomy, we have a professional duty to meet and exceed the needs of this unique patient population. The goal of this session is to bring attention to the unique experiences of transgender communities as well as provide the tools necessary for physical therapy practitioners to create culturally and clinically competent, inclusive environments in their respective settings. The speakers will present the latest research as it applies to physical therapist practice, creating empathy and understanding of the unique experiences of transgender individuals, and highlight the latest guidelines for transgender competent health care practice.