Transgender Health: Sensitivity in Care, Treatment, and Life Care Considerations for Female to Male Transgender Individuals

People who identify as transgender are not a new global population. They have lived and worked among the general population, but remained hidden due to fear of social and vocational discrimination and harassment. Time, and changing views, brought by changing generational philosophy, has allowed more people who identify as transgender into the forefront. This improved visibility has highlighted similar health care access issues and disparities already realized within many marginalized populations. The problem is compounded as legislation is inconsistent and dynamic with regard to provision of health care and basic rights to this specialized and complex population. Services are warranted; transgender people have a high need for a variety of health care services. Studies support this need with correlations of mental illness and high suicide rates for those who are under-served. Life care planners are in a unique position to provide support and services to this increasingly visible and deserving population.