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Healthcare Professionals’ Conflicts When Treating Transgender Youth: Is It Necessary to Prioritize Protection Over Respect? 

This article discusses a common dilemma faced by healthcare professionals: how they should treat transgender youth. Some argue that it is more ethical to focus on their age as minors and protect them from irreversible treatments, while others argue that they should be respected as transgender individuals and provided the medical interventions they desire. The researchers conducted an interview combining psychological, medical, and ethical perspectives to understand the decision-making processes behind healthcare professionals when faced with this conflict. The intersectionality of trans youth experiences in healthcare and the involvement of parents were highlighted.

I am what I am: Congruence and quality of life among trans Pinoys/Pinays 

This article examines the quality of life of transgender individuals in the Philippines in relation to four themes: 1) social support, 2) realizing gender identity, 3) authenticity and self-perception, and 4) their challenges to transitioning. In relation to the group’s objectives, this study may provide insights into the local and cultural context of Philippine gender-affirmative care, particularly its exploration of relationship security and acceptance, as well as the lived experiences of trans Filipinos on the struggle for safe and affordable medical transitioning. Notably, their struggles mentioned challenges in the absence of health insurance coverage and limited options for hormone medication. 

Intersectionality and the invisibility of transgender health in the Philippines 

This article discusses trans-specific struggles toward accessing healthcare in the Philippines. While the Philippines is growing more accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community, they are still considered second-class citizens due to SOGIESC-based prejudice and discrimination (SPD). The lack of treatment for HIV/AIDS, mental health care, affordable and safe hormones, and gender-affirming surgeries are among the needs that need to be addressed. Two main barriers to these are the passing of The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 and the unpassing of the Anti-Discrimination bill, heavily influenced by the Catholic Church, which reinforce heteronormative values. However, non-government organizations (NGOs), such as The LoveYourself Inc., offer free HIV testing, medical referrals, and gender-affirming hormone therapy to trans individuals. A national transgender health framework is also being developed.

Experiences of Sexual and Gender Minorities with Health Care in the Philippines: A Qualitative Study 

This study explores the experiences of Filipino sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) in accessing healthcare. Through qualitative interviews, participants shared stories of discrimination, stigma, and lack of provider competence in addressing SGM-specific needs. The findings highlight the urgent need for inclusive policies and training programs to ensure respectful, culturally sensitive, and equitable care for SGM individuals in the Philippines.

Barriers to Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Individuals 

This article tackles the common barriers experienced by transgender and gender nonconforming individuals when it comes to acquiring gender-affirming care. The primary barriers that emerged from the research included financial constraints, lack of service availability, insufficient healthcare information, and interpersonal concerns, to name a few. Following this, the authors also explored recommendations for addressing these challenges, highlighting the role and responsibility of service providers in fostering accessible and inclusive healthcare. This article will assist our group in assessing the barriers that may also be present in Philippine society and provide a good starting point for further contextualization.  

Barriers to Accessing Health Care in Rural Regions by Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Diverse People: A Case-Based Scoping Review 

This article showed how participants were able to gain information regarding their health concerns when they lived in a rural area that has scarce trans health care in comparison to those who live in a metropolitan area. Although the focus of the article was to highlight the differences in healthcare provision in rural and urban areas, it also revealed the ways through which the members of the trans community accessed information for their health. The article highlighted the benefits of utilizing e-health (e.g. online consultations) approaches in making information accessible for trans patients.

Allyship: An Incremental Approach to Addressing Microaggressions in Healthcare

This article emphasizes allyship as a constant and intentional practice that aims to challenge own biases and support marginalized groups. In healthcare, this involves recognizing and addressing microaggressions, implementing inclusive practices, and advocating for those underrepresented. Corbie et al. (2022) propose doing an incremental approach to becoming an ally. It begins with taking small but consistent actions. It can be through noticing microaggressions, reflecting on personal biases, listening to criticisms, and engaging in systemic change, even just by being there. These are meant to be initial steps that allow a person to be an ally. In this article, allyship is framed as a skill that can be learned and practiced. 

Family-Based Interventions with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Children and Adolescents

This study emphasized the vital role of family support in the well-being of TGNC youth. The authors primarily discussed how supportive and affirming families can lower mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. The paper advocated for family-based therapies focusing on empathy, education, and communication in addressing hesitations, fear, resistance, and anxiety. It also emphasized the role of mental health providers as educators who work in guiding families through transitions and ensure inclusive environments for TGNC children and adolescents. Lev et al. (2022) push clinicians to use gender-affirming and appropriate approaches in working with children and adolescents as they go through the process of identifying themselves. 

Affirmative Care for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People

LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center (2020) wrote a complete guide and manual for medical professionals in providing gender-affirmative healthcare to transgender and gender non-conforming people. This guide offered practices that healthcare staff can do to create an inclusive, respectful, and affirming medical environment for TGNC individuals. These practices include: using correct names and pronouns, avoiding assumptions about one's gender, and respecting patients' privacy, autonomy, and dignity. Penkin and Fenway Institute highlighted the importance of staff training, handling mistakes appropriately, and addressing systemic barriers in healthcare. Overall, this work is a useful guide for healthcare professionals in creating an inclusive culture in the medical field that affirms the identities of TGNC patients and dismantling systemic oppression.