Janice R. Andrews
The 2022 US Transgender Survey Early Insights report has provided insight into the experiences that transgender people in the country actually have on the ground. A record-breaking 92,329 binary and nonbinary transgender people aged 16 and over from all around the country, its territories, and military posts participated in the National Center for Transgender Equality survey.
The survey’s conclusions offer vital information about a number of areas related to transgender lives, such as family dynamics, access to healthcare, work, education, housing, and public spaces. Although a large number of respondents who had undergone transitions expressed contentment with their life, the study highlights the persistent inequalities and prejudice encountered by transgender individuals across the country.
The executive director of NCTE, Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, stressed the value of data in eradicating false information and comprehending the realities of transgender lives. In order to guarantee equitable treatment for all persons, including transgender people who far too frequently experience marginalization or targeting, he urged for state and federal laws.
The majority of people who have transitioned genders reported higher levels of life satisfaction, according to one important survey finding. Additionally, a significant proportion of participants undergoing hormone therapy conveyed a heightened sense of contentment with their lives, underscoring the significance of having access to gender-affirming medical care.
Despite these encouraging results, the poll still finds concerning rates of abuse and discrimination. Numerous participants mentioned contemplating or having relocated as a result of encountering prejudice, with some states witnessing substantial migration as a result of discriminatory legislation aimed at transgender persons.
Reports of mistreatment in school environments, verbal abuse, and online harassment were also made, demonstrating how widespread the discrimination experienced by transgender adolescents is. Furthermore, the majority of respondents stated that they felt uneasy approaching law enforcement for help because of worries about their gender identity or presentation.
The survey also emphasizes the difficulties in obtaining healthcare, as almost 50% of participants reported unfavorable encounters while attempting to receive medical attention because of their gender identity. Financial constraints and mistrust of being mistreated were mentioned as excuses for skipping essential medical appointments.
Significant economic gaps were also shown by the poll, with respondents’ unemployment rates almost five times higher than the national average.
Participants in the 2022 US Trans poll, which was a follow-up to the 2015 poll, had to be at least 18 years old. It was carried out in association with several advocacy organizations. Its thorough results are an invaluable tool for comprehending and resolving the issues encountered by transgender people in the US.
