On the Frontlines: Protecting and Advancing Gender-Affirming Care in a Hostile Sociopolitical Environment

Abstract

Since 2020, there has been a significant cultural and political backlash in the USA to growing acceptance of gender diversity and gender-affirming care. Legislative attacks, particularly targeting gender-affirming care access for transgender and gender diverse youth, have occurred in a media environment rife with misinformation and disinformation. Even in states where a ban is not enacted, we have seen significant harm caused by such misinformation and disinformation, to transgender and gender diverse patients, their families, and clinicians who provide this important and much needed care, in the form of clinic closures and disruption of services. In this hostile sociopolitical environment, we present strategies for health care organizations and workers to continue to provide this lifesaving care thoughtfully, to safeguard the protections currently in place, and to continue to advocate for patients, families, and health care staff.