Gender-Affirming Care

What is gender-affirming care, and what does it include?

Gender-affirming care is a person-centered approach to health care. It is not a single treatment, but rather a range of treatments tailored to a person's unique needs and goals. It supports and affirms an individual's gender identity. Depending on the individual, it may include mental health care, support for social transition, medical care, or help navigating family, school, work, or community settings.

For some people, gender-affirming care may involve using a chosen name or pronouns, changing clothing or hairstyle, or working with an affirming mental health provider. For others, it may include medical options such as hormone therapy or surgery. The goal is not to push anyone toward a particular identity or treatment. Its purpose is to help people live in ways that align with their gender, health needs, values, and overall well-being.

Does gender-affirming care help?

Research shows that access to gender-affirming care is associated with better mental health and quality of life for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people. It is associated with improved well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction, and lower rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and gender dysphoria.

Major health organizations recognize gender-affirming care as an evidence-based approach to supporting transgender and gender-diverse people. These organizations include the American Psychological Association, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Current standards emphasize care that is tailored to each person. This includes considering mental health, physical health, development, family context, and safety.

Where can I find more information about gender-affirming care?

The following resources provide additional information about gender-affirming care:

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC): an in-depth evidence-based fact sheet

The Parents for Transgender Equality Network: information about supporting and protecting transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive children

The American Psychological Association: guidelines on psychological practice with transgender and gender nonconforming people

Transgender Healthcare Access Alert: map that tracks attacks on gender affirming care by state. 

The bottom line

Gender-affirming care is an individualized approach to supporting a person's health. It may include social, psychological, behavioral, or medical care. For many transgender and gender-diverse people, access to gender-affirming care can improve mental health, reduce distress, and enhance quality of life.

Author: Rebecca Smith

Edited By: Kate Nolan and Riley McDanal