Identification of Health Service Needs of Mexican Transgender Asylum Seekers and Recommendations for Public Health Practitioners

Purpose: Little is known about Mexican transgender asylum seekers’ experiences and the impact those experiences have on their health after reaching the US. Methods: A multidisciplinary team of nine reviewers used a systematic document review process to examine the declarations and psychological evaluations (n=45) from an organization assisting Mexican male to female transgender individuals seeking asylum during 2011-2012. Documents were coded, and reviewed by the team. Themes were then identified and recommendations formulated for public health practitioners. Results: Prior to immigration to the US asylum seekers reported verbal/emotional, physical, and sexual abuse by peers, family members, and authority figures. Many asylum seekers reported dropping out school to support themselves financially or to escape abuse. Once in the US, many asylum seekers reported continued harassment, discrimination, and abuse although to a lesser degree. Asylum seekers reported developing negative coping skills as a result of the harassment and abuse. Several reported self-imposed seclusion, while others reported abusing drugs and alcohol. Other issues reported were: chronic conditions which were often untreated due to financial issues and fear of seeking services; limited employment or educational opportunities; and little social support. Conclusions: These themes highlight the need for multiple social and health services for this particularly vulnerable population. Specifically, social, mental health, and physical health services to assist with the structural violence and trauma they have experienced as a result of their transgender status is needed upon arrival in the US. Furthermore services related to education and employment are also relevant to this population.