Primary Care of Transgender Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TNG) youth are an increasingly recognized population with specific primary care needs. TNG youth have often had negative healthcare experiences that may affect their comfort in seeking care. Understanding of gender in a developmental context and familiarity with best practices and opportunities for advocacy in health care and community are important tools for primary care providers in supporting the wellness of TNG youth. Primary care providers also have an opportunity to expand access to medical transition care in partnership with specialists and mental health providers.

Appendix

• Creating Affirming Spaces

• “Office-Based Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth” (2013). This American Academy of Pediatrics guideline and the accompanying technical report offers specific recommendations and standards around affirming spaces and provision of primary care for LGBTQ+ youth.

• “Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence, and Patient- and Family-Centered Care for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Community: A Field Guide” (2011). This comprehensive resource published by the Joint Commission is available for free online and provides in-depth guidance and best practices related to the care of LGBT patients and families.

• Website: https://www.jointcommission.org/lgbt/

Health Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign (HRC)): The HRC has developed a benchmarking tool titled the Health Equality Index to evaluate healthcare facilities’ policies and practices related to the care of LGBTQ+ patients as well as the experiences of visitors and employees. More information about how to apply for HEI designation and resources to help facilities meet HEI criteria are found online.

• Website: http://www.hrc.org/hei/resource-guide

• Electronic Medical Record Resources

• “Do Ask, Do Tell.” This toolkit from The Fenway Institute and the Center for American Progress outlines rationale and recommendations for appropriate data collection and documentation as well as information to help train providers and staff.

• Website: http://doaskdotell.org/ehr/toolkit/

• Resources for Families

• PFLAG (Parents and Families of Lesbians and Gays). PFLAG is the nation’s largest family and ally organization. PFLAG is committed to advancing equality through its mission of support, education, and advocacy. PFLAG has chapters across the United States in locations ranging from rural areas to large urban centers.

• Website: https://www.pflag.org/

• Address (National Headquarters): 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 660, Washington, DC, 20036, U.S.A.

• Phone (National Headquarters): (202) 467-8180

Gender Spectrum. Gender Spectrum’s mission is to create a gender-inclusive world for all children and youth by working with families, organizations, and institutions to increase understandings of gender.

• Website: https://www.genderspectrum.org/

• Email (General information): info@genderspectrum.org

• School Resources

• Welcoming Schools. The Human Rights Campaign’s Welcoming Schools program is a national professional development program in the United States with a mission of creating safe and welcoming schools for all children and families. Welcoming Schools provides “training and resources to elementary school educators to welcome diverse families, create LGBTQ and gender inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary students.”

• Website: http://www.welcomingschools.org/

• Address: Welcoming Schools, c/o Human Rights Campaign 1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20036-3278, U.S.A.

GSA Network. GSA Network is a “next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization in the United States that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.”

• Website: https://gsanetwork.org/

• Phone: 415-552-4229; Fax: 415-552-4729 (U.S. Phone Numbers; country code +1)

• Email Address: info@gsanetwork.org

• Located in Oakland, California, U.S.A.

Gender Spectrum. Gender Spectrum “helps to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens.” To accomplish this, Gender Spectrum provides in-person and online trainings, support and education to help families, organizations, and institutions increase understandings of gender, gender identity, and expression.

• Website: https://www.genderspectrum.org/

• Phone: 510-788-4412 (U.S. Phone Number; country code +1)

• Email Address: info@genderspectrum.org

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network). GLSEN is a national organization in the U.S. dedicated to creating safe and affirming schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

• Website: https://www.glsen.org/

• Phone: 212-727-0135 (U.S. Phone Number; country code +1)

• Email Address: info@glsen.org

• Address: 110 William Street, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10038, U.S.A.

• Resources for TNG Athletes

• Transathlete.com: This website serves as a resource for TNG athletes and those looking to support their participation in athletics. Included is a frequently updated list of policies from organizations in the United States and Canada for athletic organizations at the K-12, high school, collegiate, and professional levels.

• Website: https://www.transathlete.com/