Summary was created by
Counting Ourselves: The health and wellbeing of trans and non-binary people in Aotearoa New Zealand
- For policymakers
- Summary created: 2021
Our findings illustrate the stark contrast and health inequities between trans and non-binary people and the general population, especially in the areas of mental health and wellbeing, including the very high rates of psychological distress and suicide attempts within our communities.
This summary, including its recommendations and ideas, was created by Dr Jaimie Veale and is based on original research. The original research itself was conducted in collaboration with the following researchers.
Our findings illustrate the stark contrast and health inequities between trans and non-binary people and the general population, especially in the areas of mental health and wellbeing, including the very high rates of psychological distress and suicide attempts within our communities.
One of the goals of this research project was to explore possible reasons for these health inequities.
Insights
This report shows many trans and non-binary people cannot access medically necessary gender-affirming care.
This care is often simply not available within the public health system.
Other barriers we identified include cost, lack of information about how to access services, long waiting lists and gaps in health providers’ knowledge about gender affirming care.
Participants described other barriers they faced when they were trying to access healthcare. These included being asked unnecessary or inappropriate questions and being referred to by the incorrect name or gender, which meant that many participants delayed or avoided seeking care.
Our findings illustrate the huge personal impact of the stigma that people face for being trans or non-binary.
Counting Ourselves participants reported widespread discrimination, especially in public places, trying to find a job or housing and at work. Most did not have the correct gender marker on their identity documents, and many of these participants reported that this resulted in harassment and other negative and stressful experiences in many areas of their lives.
We also found high rates of harassment and violence against trans and non-binary people, including by family members and partners.
What it means
We found reasons to be hopeful for the future. Trans and non-binary youth were more likely to have grown up with a family/wh_nau member who helped them to legally transition or researched how best to support them. Participants who were supported by their family/wh_nau were also more likely to have positive mental health.
Suggested next steps
Provide access to gender-affirming healthcare - provide clear pathways, based on informed consent and self-determination, for timely access to gender-affirming healthcare through the public health system, including hair removal, puberty blockers, hormones, fertility preservation, voice therapy, counselling and mental health support and gender-affirming surgeries
Ensure health services respect gender diversity - provide mandatory training for staff in DHBs, primary health organisations, disability support services and residential care facilities on supporting trans and non-binary people and promote health service environments that are respectful of gender diversity and are trans positive
Better protect trans and non-binary people from discrimination - provide comprehensive resources and training about the human rights issues and protections for trans and non-binary people for health providers, schools, employers, government agencies and the wider public
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