A study published in the International Journal of Transgender Health has demonstrated that gender affirming care improves quality of life among trans men. On March 31, the study “Understanding the Role of Gender Congruence and Affirming Care in Trans Men’s Body Image and Quality of Life” was published and found that gender affirming care led to improved gender congruence which increased the trans mens’ body satisfaction and quality of life. Gender congruence is the harmony between a person’s gender identity, their body, and the way other people see them. Through gender affirming care, a person can gain increased gender congruence, thus improving their life. One hundred and sixty-six trans men were surveyed to measure their physiological, psychological, social, and environmental quality of life. The study refers to trans individuals as trans and gender diverse people (TGD) and says that within the community of TGD folks, trans men “face unique challenges,” and that most literature and research “fails to acknowledge the nuances surrounding societal expectations and gender norms concerning masculinity.” The report explains that while mental health and suicidality are important to study in reference to trans men and TGD people, it is “equally important to examine the broader well-being of TGD people, including factors that contribute to their overall quality of life.” While analyzing the effects of gender affirming care like hormone therapy and chest surgery, the report states that, “both forms of care significantly improved gender congruence, and each showed positive indirect effects on body satisfaction through increased gender congruence.” To put it simply, this study has shown what trans folks have been saying for a long time in defense of keeping gender affirming care for adults and children alike. So many conservatives try to argue that receiving gender affirming care is not essential to a person’s health or that it is even damaging. And our community continues to fight against that false claim made from hate and ignorance. Gender-affirming care improves a person’s quality of life by creating a sense of unity between themselves and their environment. It is necessary and essential care. Period. Photo Credit: Jeremy Francis
