Researchers from Alberta are seeking input from individuals in Prince Edward Island regarding the challenges faced by transgender adults in accessing gender-affirming healthcare. Sandra Thoms and Nicholas Wallace, social work students from the University of Calgary, are conducting a study focusing on Atlantic Canada, aiming to gather insights from both the transgender community and healthcare providers.
Wallace highlighted the lack of comprehensive research on healthcare access for transgender individuals, especially in the context of Atlantic Canada. According to the World Health Organization, gender-affirming care encompasses various interventions, including social, psychological, behavioral, and medical support that align with an individual’s gender identity.
AinZ Kendrick, the executive director of the P.E.I. Transgender Network, emphasized the holistic nature of gender-affirming care, extending beyond medical transitions to encompass a comprehensive approach to individual well-being. Thoms echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that basic respect, such as using correct names and pronouns, forms the foundation of affirming healthcare practices.
Thoms and Wallace noted a lower participation rate from Prince Edward Island compared to other Atlantic provinces in their study. Kendrick attributed this trend to persistent stigma and fear within the transgender community, suggesting that building relationships with existing community organizations could facilitate increased engagement.
Despite P.E.I.’s robust gender-affirming care policies, Kendrick pointed out existing barriers, such as the need for certain surgeries being outsourced to other provinces despite local facilities offering similar services. The researchers aim to shed light on both challenges and positive experiences within the healthcare system for transgender individuals and plan to share their findings with the interviewed communities to drive positive change.
Thoms and Wallace expressed their hope that the study’s outcomes will contribute to enhancing healthcare experiences for transgender individuals by leveraging the shared experiences and insights provided by the participants.