Compared with their cisgender counterparts, transgender individuals face both structural-level discrimination and health disparities across health domains. We used recent population-level data to examine associations between state-level policy ratings regarding transgender people and transgender health (poor physical and mental health days, health behaviors, and health care utilization). We hypothesized more inclusive and protective state-level policies would predict better health of transgender individuals. The sample (N=1116) was approximately half white (n=572, 51.2%) and half transgender women (n=551, 49.3%). More transgender-inclusive and protective state-level policies predicted better health in three of four health domains. Policy and research implications are discussed.

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High marital satisfaction is associated with better individual health and health behavior. Gender moderates these associations; generally, they are stronger for women than for men. Theories such as subordination-reactivity attempt to explain marital satisfaction–health associations by gender. Extant research exploring this phenomenon focuses on individuals in proximal relationships, not those in long-distance relationships (LDR). LDR are prevalent, particularly among students, military personnel, and caregivers. They are also increasing both in number and cultural relevance. Current study participants ( N = 93) were ages 21+, married for 6+ months, and LDR, defined as living more than 50 miles apart and not able to see each other daily. Participants completed an online survey of relationship and health measures. We tested gender as a moderator of marital satisfaction–health associations. Unexpectedly, higher marital satisfaction related to better health for men more than for women on several health variables. Specifically, higher marital satisfaction related to significantly less drug use and less pain interference, and marginally better overall health, for men more than for women. No other marital satisfaction–health associations emerged. These results suggest marital satisfaction may be more important to health for LDR men than women, and in some cases, marital satisfaction may not relate to health for LDR individuals. Future research can explore these unique satisfaction–health associations in LDR. Therapeutic interventions for individuals and couples in LDR can consider these findings.

Converging evidence indicates transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals generally experience poorer health than their cisgender counterparts. Less is known about TGNC health across gender identity subgroups. Extant work has yielded mixed findings, precluding conclusions regarding the comparative health of transgender women, transgender men, and gender non-conforming individuals. Additionally, this work is limited methodologically, e.g., utilizing convenience samples and operationalizing “transgender” differently across studies. This study aims to improve upon these limitations, and more broadly add to the literature on within-group health differences among TGNC individuals. We used 2016 U.S. population-level data (N = 1,117), conducting MANCOVA (multivariate analysis of covariance) and logistic regression to compare the health of transgender women, transgender men, and GNC individuals. Health outcomes of mental and physical health, substance use, and healthcare access/utilization were selected based on empirical and theoretical support for their relevance to TGNC health. We also completed interaction analyses to test the intersectional effects on health of gender identity and emergent sociodemographic variables, e.g. race/ethnicity. Across TGNC subgroups, individuals reported similar alcohol use, mental health, and healthcare access/utilization. Transgender men reported worse physical health than their counterparts, and GNC individuals reported lower smoking prevalence than their counterparts. Interaction analyses by race/ethnicity indicated Hispanic transgender women reported worse physical health than other Hispanic TGNC individuals, while Black transgender men, Multiracial GNC individuals, and Hispanic transgender women reported worse mental health than some of their intra-racial/ethnic TGNC counterparts. Findings add to the growing literature on TGNC health and highlight TGNC subgroups that may be vulnerable regarding mental and physical health.