Enhanced Well-being Among Transgender Individuals Post-Transition, Finds 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey

2022 U.S. Transgender Survey findings

Survey Highlights Significant Satisfaction with Life Post-Transition

A remarkable 94% of transgender individuals have reported a substantial increase in life satisfaction following their transition, according to findings from the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS) conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). This extensive survey, the most recent iteration of an influential study on the transgender community, collected data from 92,329 transgender and nonbinary participants. They provided insights into various aspects of their lives over the period from October 19 to December 5, 2022, with the NCTE sharing an “early insights” summary of these outcomes.

Hormone Replacement Therapy and Surgical Interventions Yield Positive Outcomes

Among those undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT), an overwhelming 98% testified to an enhanced satisfaction with life since beginning their HRT regimen. Conversely, less than 1% experienced diminished life satisfaction, suggesting those dissatisfied with HRT likely ceased the treatment. Similarly, 97% of respondents who underwent any form of gender-affirming surgery reported increased life satisfaction, with under two percent expressing a decline in satisfaction post-surgery.

Challenges in Family Support and Societal Acceptance

Despite the personal fulfillment derived from transitioning, transgender individuals frequently encounter a lack of support within their familial and social circles. Only 67% of adult participants with families aware of their transgender identity felt supported, whereas 12% reported a lack of family support. This figure rose to 29% among trans youth aged 16 to 17, indicating greater familial resistance.

Prevalence of Discrimination and Economic Hardships

The survey also shed light on the pervasive discrimination faced by the transgender community. Eighteen percent of participants were unemployed, a stark contrast to the national average of 3.6% in November 2022. Additionally, 34% of respondents were living in poverty, and 11% had lost a job due to their gender identity or expression. Physical and verbal assaults were also reported, with 3% experiencing physical attacks and 30% facing verbal harassment due to their transgender identity in the past year.

Migration Trends Stemming from Anti-Trans Legislation

Alarmingly, 5% of USTS participants have relocated from their states in response to anti-trans legislation, with 47% considering such a move. States like Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia saw the highest migration rates among the transgender population. Dr. Sandy James, the USTS’s lead researcher, expressed concern over the significant number of individuals compelled to leave their home states due to discriminatory laws.

NCTE executive director Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen highlighted the widespread impact of such discrimination, emphasizing the severe consequences stemming from state and government-level bias. This situation underscores the urgent need for societal and legislative changes to support and protect the rights and well-being of transgender individuals nationwide.

More infos at : https://ustranssurvey.org/