It is hard not to hear about the laws being introduced at the state level and their biggest target being trans youth. One of the biggest resources for trans youth being targeted is gender affirming care such as hormone replacement therapy. As a trans young adult who in the past year has gained access to hormone replacement therapy, it is so hard to put into words the impact that it has on one’s mental health. Living with a heavy level of depression for 3.5-4 years before having access to this resource I tried counseling, therapy, and medication, with varying levels of minor success, receiving HRT was when I finally felt like I had gotten my life back. These impacts are often talked about but there isn’t a lot of longitudinal data to back our statements due to the lack of research revolving trans individuals.
This does not stop research from developing in the meantime and recently there was a study comparing individuals who did receive HRT and those who did not and the data has suggested that trans teens who receive HRT have a positive correlation with mental health. The only issue with the sample is that teens who are able to receive HRT must receive parental consent meaning that the participants who were receiving HRT were already living in an affirming and support family environment which could have an impact on positive mental health reporting rates.
In order to get around this a research team analyzed data from the 2015 U.S. transgender survey that had 27,000 respondents. They found that over 40% of trans youth who live in an unsupportive family environment have attempted suicide by the time they turn 18. They also found that HRT significantly improved mental health and that suicide rates for trans youth drop after having access to this resource with a 14.4% decrease.
Even with research coming out in support of trans resources the community is still facing a huge attack towards their rights. Back in June the Human Rights Campaign declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans due , more than 560 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been introduced and 80 of which have passed.
The article ends with a statement that “If you are struggling or having suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or chat at 988lifeline.org. The Trans Lifeline (1-877-565-8860) and The Trevor Project (phone 1-866-488-7386, text 678-678, or chat thetrevorproject.org) also offer crisis support.”
These are resources many trans and other LGBTQ+ individuals know about due to the widespread understanding of the climate around us. Even though the climate is gloomy the LGBTQ+ movement has always been resilient and continues pass down resources of how to survive. Trans youth exist and have always existed; support trans youth.
Trans Artist and small business owner: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MegEmikoArt