2015 December | Jaclyn M. White Hughto, MPH; Sari L. Reisner, ScD; and John E. Pachankis, PhD
Transgender individuals in the United States face widespread stigma, discrimination, and violence, which significantly impact their physical and mental health. This review examines the determinants, mechanisms, and interventions related to transgender stigma. Stigma operates at multiple levels—individual, interpersonal, and structural—and affects access to resources, employment, healthcare, and housing. Structural stigma includes societal norms and institutional policies that limit opportunities and resources for transgender people. Interpersonal stigma involves direct forms of discrimination, such as verbal harassment and physical violence. Individual stigma includes internalized feelings of shame and fear of rejection.
Stigma is a major cause of adverse health outcomes in transgender populations, contributing to stress, mental health issues, and physical health problems. Structural stigma can be reduced through policy changes that promote equal opportunities and access to healthcare. Interpersonal stigma can be addressed through education and community support, while individual stigma can be managed through counseling and self-acceptance. Interventions targeting stigma at multiple levels are needed to improve health outcomes for transgender people. These interventions include education for healthcare providers, community-based programs, and advocacy for supportive legislation. Future research should focus on understanding the causal relationships between stigma and health, as well as developing effective interventions to reduce stigma and its negative impacts.Transgender individuals in the United States face widespread stigma, discrimination, and violence, which significantly impact their physical and mental health. This review examines the determinants, mechanisms, and interventions related to transgender stigma. Stigma operates at multiple levels—individual, interpersonal, and structural—and affects access to resources, employment, healthcare, and housing. Structural stigma includes societal norms and institutional policies that limit opportunities and resources for transgender people. Interpersonal stigma involves direct forms of discrimination, such as verbal harassment and physical violence. Individual stigma includes internalized feelings of shame and fear of rejection.
Stigma is a major cause of adverse health outcomes in transgender populations, contributing to stress, mental health issues, and physical health problems. Structural stigma can be reduced through policy changes that promote equal opportunities and access to healthcare. Interpersonal stigma can be addressed through education and community support, while individual stigma can be managed through counseling and self-acceptance. Interventions targeting stigma at multiple levels are needed to improve health outcomes for transgender people. These interventions include education for healthcare providers, community-based programs, and advocacy for supportive legislation. Future research should focus on understanding the causal relationships between stigma and health, as well as developing effective interventions to reduce stigma and its negative impacts.