LGBTQ Health Disparities Zine 2016 1 | Page 10

LGBT Q According to the LGBT advocacy media group GLAAD, transgender folks are at extreme risks for violence and murder. They reported that 55% of LGBT homicides were transgender women, and 50% of these homicides were transgender women of color. Furthermore, a staggering 78% of transgender students experienced discrimination at some point. These statistics are unacceptable, and clearly more social change is needed. Not only are transgender people subject to hate crimes, but also they face extreme difficulties within the health care system. Only recently have there been insurance improvements for gender related surgeries, and gender identity therapists are starting to pop up. However, these resources are still only available to those who have the resources and support to pursue their health needs (GLAAD). Depending on their location and their local resources, transgender people can be denied basic health care if their primary doctor knows little to nothing about their health needs. Clearly these concerns cause extreme distress for transgender individuals, especially when looking at the minority stress model transgender individuals face obstacles every day.