Abstract

Transgender people have marginalized healthcare experiences that result in decreased health outcomes. For transgender adolescents, gender-affirming-care (GAC) is even more difficult to access and being restricted with increasing frequency. This mixed methods study was conducted to examine transgender healthcare through the gaps between GAC policymakers’ and healthcare providers’ goals. General research has focused on the relationship between GAC and transgender health, GAC policy development, and the discrepancies between GAC policy outcomes and medical professionals’ advice. This leads to the research question about how policymakers and healthcare providers can collaborate to bridge the gap between GAC policies and transgender minors' healthcare experiences, ultimately improving the adolescents’ overall well-being. To understand the impact GAC policies have on transgender youth, data was compiled herein and analyzed to investigate the gap and the consequences of the gap between policymakers’ and healthcare providers’ goals. Quantitative data collection focused on health statistics by state, political stance and supported policies, and healthcare access. The case studies mainly focus on surveys and interviews. Qualitative data collection focused on transgender healthcare affected individuals’ interviews, emphasizing experiences with GAC policies and the healthcare effects. Findings reveal a positive correlation between transgender youths’ wellbeing and increased access to GAC. Additional findings reveal that anti-GAC states are more biased against transgender people. The statistical trends seen across multiple case studies dismantle anti-GAC policy advocates’ argument, highlighting the need to listen to medical professionals about transgender youths’ healthcare to improve the adolescents’ wellbeing.

Publication Date

12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Science, Technology and Public Policy (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Science Technology and Society/Public Policy, Department of

College

College of Liberal Arts

Advisor

Eric Hittinger

Advisor/Committee Member

Jennifer Bailey

Advisor/Committee Member

John Oliphant

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Download

Share

COinS