Building Inclusive Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Youth: Improving the Collection and Utilization of Patients’ Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Information, Preferred Names and Gender Pronouns in a Pediatric Clinic

An examination of power in a triadic model of parent–child–pediatrician relationships related to early childhood gender development

“…The current legislative agenda seeks to deny gender-affirming care and bodily autonomy to gender minorities with a disregard for the implications this has on the lives of countless TGD children and their families. TGD children are systematically denied autonomy, agency, and power by the medical system, resulting in elevated risks for mental illness and suicidality (Allen et al, 2019;Austin et al, 2022;Jelinek et al, 2020;Katz-Wise et al, 2022;Rafferty, 2018). Gender affirmation is critical in ensuring physical and emotional wellbeing (Coleman et al, 2022;Rafferty, 2018).…”

“…Studies with transgender adults suggest that gender‐related discrimination leads to lower healthcare utilization overall (Kcomt et al, 2020). As a result of poor guidance, family wellbeing and cohesion may also be impacted as families and TGD children are likely to face increased stigma, victimization, social isolation, and low self‐esteem (Bhattacharya et al, 2021; Jelinek et al, 2020; Katz‐Wise et al, 2022; Rafferty, 2018). Understanding the processes influencing the wellbeing of TGD children is essential because their mental health outcomes are staggering—82% of transgender youth have had suicidal ideation, and 40% of transgender youth have attempted suicide (Austin et al, 2022).…”