Transgender Good Practice

Health & Social Care

The health and social needs of Scotland’s transgender people have been largely neglected.  The INCLUSION Project commissioned research into the health needs of transgender people.  Findings from this research have shown that significant issues for transgender people include:

• Mental health problems including suicide, self harm, anxiety and depression
• Lack of primary care facilities as many GPs have no or little knowledge of transgender people’s needs
• Lack of access to essential medical treatment for gender identity issues, i.e. electrolysis for trans women
• Lack of awareness and understanding of care providers so that transgender people are in appropriately treated in single gender out patient and in patient services.
• Inconsistent funding and access to gender reassignment services throughout Scotland
• Lack of social work service to support children, young people, adults and families with gender identity issues.
• Social exclusion, violence and abuse and the resulting negative impact on health and well-being.