A new study reveals new information about transgender living in Maryland

According to one finding from a new investigation of the country’s trans populace conducted in part by a University of Maryland graduate student, more than three-quarters of trans people in Maryland were concerned about being severely judged when seeking medical care and almost a third interrupted needed treatment.

The Maryland Trans Survey, the largest of its kind ever in the position, examined a range of health care, financial, legal and discrimination experience among 750 transgender participants across all counties and Baltimore. The Queer/Trans Collective for Research on Equity and Wellness, which conducts community-based research to ensure representation of queer and trans communities in scientific literature, conducted the community organization Trans Maryland. It was made public prior to the Transgender Day of Visibility’s international observance on Sunday.

The survey, which was conducted online between May and December 2023, also revealed that transgender people in Maryland have an alarming rate of violence and victimization, with 78.2 % reporting verbal abuse and 46.1 % reporting experiencing physical or sexual assault. Other findings included trends in income and employment, such as the fact that 22.7 % of respondents have experienced major financial crises in the last year, and insights regarding identity documents, with just over half of those who have an ID that accurately reflects their gender.

M Pease ’22, a doctoral student in counseling psychology and lead author of the initial findings report, said,” We really wanted to have data that clarified some of those experiences with policies where the state has strengths and also has room to grow.” Son Taylor, project lead from Towson University, Trans Maryland Executive Director Lee Blinder, Principal Investigator and Professor Paz Galupo, and postdoctoral researcher Zakary Clements, both from Washington University in St. Louis, were the other authors.

In other wellness- related results, while 94.4 % of respondents had some type of health insurance, 20.1 % reported that they had no place to go for health advice, and 32.5 % did n’t have a primary care provider. In addition, among individuals who sought trans- related surgery, 85.2 % experienced barriers to access.

These findings have important policy implications, Pease said, especially as people travel to states like Maryland, where there are no shortage of transgender laws.

Being aware that there are gaps in the availability of providers who are competent in supporting trans patients, and in the extent that people are coming to our communities for safety, for the care that we deserve, they said.

The survey also revealed a diverse trans community in Maryland, with participants ranging from 18 to 80 years old and representing a variety of races, genders, sexual orientations and abilities.

Our data really counteracts some of those one-dimensional narratives about how the trans community looks and feels about who we are, according to Pease. It is a tremendous strength that we have such a rich and vibrant community.

The survey’s findings can inform policymakers and advocates to improve trans experiences and promote inclusion in the state and beyond, according to Pease.

” I believe that visibility transcends the scope of our status as passive participants in society. I believe it requires taking a real look at the ways in which we impede gender diversity,” they said. And in order to do that, I believe it is to develop policies, put care, love, and joy in the community at the forefront, respect our dignity, and begin to address the disparities that this report highlights proactive.