“Coming home to my body”: A qualitative exploration of gender-affirming care-seeking and mental health

This qualitative study explores the interest and impact of gender-affirming care among 54 transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive (TNG) individuals in the U.S. and Canada. The most sought-after interventions were hormone therapy and surgeries such as chest and genital surgeries. Participants faced barriers including financial constraints, logistical issues, personal fears, and societal discrimination. Despite these challenges, those who accessed gender-affirming care reported significant improvements in mental health and social relationships. The study highlights the importance of gender-affirming care in enhancing mental health for TNG individuals and underscores the need for TNG-competent mental health providers.