Brandon Heil

Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

Second Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Leininger, Elizabeth

Area of Concentration

Biopsychology

Abstract

The transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) population in the United States is growing, and currently faces unprecedented amounts of violence and discrimination. Discrimination harms mental and physical health and ultimately adds to the high rates of suicide and targeted violence of TGNC people. I investigate the contributions of medical discrimination, especially in considering both the specific health care needs of this population and the urgency of other TGNC issues. Utilizing clinical and psychological literature, national surveys, and resources from activists and non-profit organizations, I identify a model that describes TGNC vulnerability. I also suggest that the concept of minority stress is applicable to TGNC experiences and can account in part for the population’s physical health disparities. The presence of specific health care needs and somatic repercussions of chronic stress for TGNC people indicate a need for competency and compassion within medical institutions, but TGNC people often find these institutions act to their detriment. Recommendations for improving these systems for TGNC people are made, including the pairing of health advocates with patients and improved education for providers.

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