Examining associations between state-level transgender policies and transgender health

Abstract

Compared with their cisgender counterparts, transgender individuals face both structural-level discrimination and health disparities across health domains. We used recent population-level data to examine associations between state-level policy ratings regarding transgender people and transgender health (poor physical and mental health days, health behaviors, and health care utilization). We hypothesized more inclusive and protective state-level policies would predict better health of transgender individuals. The sample (N = 1116) was approximately half white (n = 572, 51.2%) and half transgender women (n = 551, 49.3%). More transgender-inclusive and protective statelevel policies predicted better health in three of four health domains. Policy and research implications are discussed,