Experiences with Primary Care in the State of Utah for Gender Diverse People: Surveying the Difficulties in Accessing Healthcare

BackgroundTransgender and non-binary communities continue to be underserved in healthcare. This study seeks to better understand the barriers and difficulties faced by transgender and non-binary patients in accessing primary care and hormone therapy in Utah. MethodsAn online survey was developed for transgender and non-binary identifying adults and was advertised via social media and the University of Utah Hospitals website. ResultsThere were 123 respondents from Utah including 39 trans women, 49 trans men, and 35 non-binary individuals. The age ranged from 18-67 (average 30 years), and 93% were Caucasian. The majority (84%) were insured, yet 67% of respondents reported difficulty accessing primary care. Fear of discrimination and being unable to find trans-friendly providers were reported as the two largest barriers. Non-binary respondents reported fear of discrimination as a barrier to primary care at the highest percentage (92%). Nearly 3 in 4 respondents who have hormone therapy reported difficulty paying for it. One in four trans women reported accessing hormones online or from a friend. ConclusionUtah is currently drastically underequipped to provide for the healthcare needs of transgender and non-binary communities. There needs to be an increase in trans-friendly primary care providers to curb discrimination. More resources and efforts must go into training primary care providers with necessary knowledge to properly serve transgender and non-binary patients. Finally, clear anti-discrimination laws are needed for insurance companies to reduce the financial barrier to transgender health services in Utah.