Enhance Care for Trans Youth: Considerations for Doctors/Therapists

Arius Toews is 11 years old and Two-Spirit. You can read more about their identity in "Prairie Pride: Community embraces two-spirit dancers at powwow."

The discrimination and violence that trans folx, especially trans women and girls of color, face can make it very difficult for them to leave their homes. This may lead some young people to show up late for appointments or not to show up at all.

Please create an office environment and late-arrival/cancellation policy that takes account of these challenges.

If possible, offer them the option of telehealth appointments — assuming you and they have the technology and their home is a safe enough place to make this feasible. For instance, doing a telehealth appointment for a trans person currently living with an abusive parent or partner -- or even a very loving one whom your patient/client isn't out to -- would likely be impossible.

Remember that trans folx, especially women, are at significantly higher risk for HIV than cis people.

You can read more about trans (and queer) young people and HIV on this page.

Talk to your TGNC patients about whether they're sharing needles for black market hormones, DIY silicone shots, diabetes medication, injection drugs, or for any other reason. If they are, connect them with your local harm reduction organization.