271097 Optimizing trans/gender-variant health

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM

Sherry Lipsky, PhD, MPH , School of Medicine, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Sel J. Hwahng, PhD , Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race, Columbia University, New York, NY
In contrast to lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals, trans/gender-variant individuals are defined/self-define according to their gender identity and presentation, which includes a broad spectrum of gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation. As noted in the recent IOM report, “The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People: Building a Foundation for Better Understanding,” the evidence base for providing trans/gender-variant specific healthcare has been limited in several respects, including populations, sampling methods, and scope. A more rigorous research program is needed to understand the health implications of trans/gender-variant-specific issues. This panel will begin to address these issues from a variety of perspectives, including an exploration of gender, power and risk among men who have sex with transgender persons; a statewide community needs assessment focusing on transgender persons; a mixed methods approach to assess health behaviors and perceived healthcare needs of transmasculine adults; an online study of the role of gender identity in medical decision- making; and building clinical capacity for trans/gender-variant populations.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Advocacy for health and health education
Diversity and culture
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1) Identify health behaviors and health risks associated with gender identity among trans/gender-variant people and the men who have sex with trans/gender-variant persons 2) Describe health-related syndromes facing trans/gender-variant people in various regions of the U.S. 3) Identify key issues affecting trans/gender-variant populations in accessing appropriate and culturally competent healthcare and strategies to address these issues

Keywords: Health Risks, Vulnerable Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to be an author for this presentation as I have co-organized this special panel and have expertise in sexual minority research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.