‘I have had several providers who recognize my humanity’: exploring the overall health and positive healthcare interactions of transgender and gender diverse college students

Abstract

To date, little research has focused on transgender and gender diverse (TGD) college students’ experiences with health services; most of the literature around TGD health focuses on barriers to care. During the 2021–22 academic year, a collective of researchers, university health service providers, and transgender/gender diverse community members collaborated to conduct a pilot study of TGD students (undergraduate and graduate) at the University of Michigan, on topics related to health, wellness, and their campus experience. This mixed-methods analysis investigates participants’ (N = 121) overall health, mental health, and access to trans-inclusive primary care providers, as well as self-reported qualitative responses regarding both how they take care of their health, and positive experiences in accessing beneficial and affirming health care. Students noted positive practices that we themed into concrete actions – at the interpersonal, organizational, and institutional levels – and recognizing humanity/agency. The students also reported a range of practices for taking care of themselves and staying healthy, which we organized into three themes: traditional, self-reflective, and connective methods. We conclude by sharing implications for campus health centers and related organizations.

Keywords:

• transgender
• health
• college students
• nonbinary
• gender affirming care
• graduate students
• gender diverse

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Institute for Research on Women and Gender, University of Michigan

Notes on contributors

E. B. Gross

E.B. Gross, LMSW is a PhD candidate in social work & developmental psychology at the University of Michigan. Their research interests include gender identity, families, LGBTQ needs (& wants!), and social work ethics.

Shanna K. Kattari

Shanna K. Kattari, PhD, MEd, CSE, in an associate professor in the School of Social Work and Department of Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Michigan. Their community engaged, multi-methodological research centers on sexuality and sexual health, disability and ableism, and queer and trans affirming practice.

Monique Steel

Monique Steel, MSN, WHNP-BC, RN, is a University Health Service nurse practitioner at the University of Michigan. Her professional interests are contraceptive counseling, gender affirming care, sexual assault response/trauma informed care, and education.

Rachelle Wilcox

Rachelle Wilcox, MD, MPH, is a physical at University Health Service at the University of Michigan. Her professional interests are disordered eating and body image concerns, gender affirming care, mental health and wellness, and sexual health.

Susan Ernst

Susan Ernst, MD, is the chief of gynecology for the University of Michigan University Health Service, and a clinical associate professor at the University of Michigan Medical School. Her professional interests are specialty gynecologic care, preventative care, evaluation and treatment of HPV-related disease and cervical dysplasia, sexually transmitted infections, care for survivors of sexual assault, gender affirming care, and pelvic surgery.

Diana Parrish

Diana Parrish, LMSW, is a clinical social worker. She specializes in affirming and strengths-based services for LGBTQIA+ people (specifically gender-affirming care), trauma, and suicidality.