A qualitative study exploring mental health barriers and enablers for transgender and gender diverse employees

Background Scholarly calls have also been made for more studies with a transgender and gender diverse health promotion in the workplace policy focus. Objective This co-designed study aims to: a) investigate and report on mental health barriers and enablers for transgender and gender diverse employees with psychosocial disability; and b) model and critically discuss the issues and measures which respectively constrain and advance the mental health of transgender and gender diverse employees with psychosocial disability. Methods Thematic analysis was applied to data collected from interviews involving 12 participants identifying as transgender or gender diverse. Results Micro system issues included gender-related stigma and discrimination. Micro system enablers included more contact with transgender and gender diverse employees. Meso system issues encompassed a lack of mental health supports. Meso system enablers included transgender and gender diversity workplace education. Macro system issues and enablers were discriminatory national policies and kindness as a universal guide respectively. Conclusions We conclude by recognising a need for co-developed national health and wellbeing policies to support the mental health of transgender and gender diverse employees with psychosocial disability.