Medical and cosmetic intervention needs, priorities and barriers of trans and non-binary youth in Quebec

Trans and non-binary (TNB) youth aged 12–17 and 16–25 represent 0.2% and 0.79% of the Canadian population respectively, likely underestimated. TNB youth face mental health challenges, sometimes related to gender dysphoria, which can be significantly improved with gender-affirming interventions. However, the needs of TNB youth are poorly documented in Quebec (Canada). This study aims to understand the gender-affirming intervention needs and desires of TNB youth in Quebec. An online survey was conducted between April and June 2023, including open-ended questions. Descriptive analyses were performed. A total of 84 TNB youth from Quebec aged 15–24 completed the survey (40% transmasculine, 20% transfeminine and 39% non-binary). The most desired intervention was hormone therapy (95%). We found gendered differences in needs, particularly for facial and upper/lower body interventions. Our findings suggest that the needs of TNB youth vary according to gender. Inequitable financial barriers persist in covered gender-affirming medical care (GAMC), disadvantaging transfeminine youth. Our data also highlighted the importance of hormone treatments for TNB youth. In conclusion, it is essential to support TNB youth by considering their needs for GAMC, offering information on all available interventions, and ensuring equitable coverage to GAMC.