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.
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.
Veale J, Byrne J, Tan K, Guy S, Yee A, Nopera T & Bentham R (2019) Counting Ourselves: The health and wellbeing of trans and non-binary people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Transgender Health Research Lab, University of Waikato: Hamilton NZ.
Jack Byrne
Kyle Tan
Sam Guy
Ashe Yee
Tāwhanga Nopera
Ryan Bentham
This research contributes to the following SDGs
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.
Research findings came from a survey of 1,178 participants who all identified as trans or binary, aged 14 years or older and currently living in New Zealand.
Researchers should be aware Counting Ourselves is based on a convenience sample where any trans or non-binary person could participate, which means we cannot know for sure to what extent it is representative of the general population.
Yasmine Finbow prepared this research following an interview with Dr Jaimie Veale.