Institutional Barriers to Healthcare Services Among Transgender Individuals in the Rural Midwest

Often the barriers that arise in healthcare are due to healthcare professionals lack of education, exposure, and transphobia. Another potential barrier is due to geographical location of living in a rural area where there is a lack of healthcare services. This phenomenological study investigated barriers faced by transgender individuals who were transitioning in a rural area, focusing particularly on institutional barriers present in the healthcare system. Transgender individuals were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling. Data were collected via in-depth, face-to-face interviews in a rural area of the Midwest in the United States (n = 8). Transgender participants discussed themes of discrimination among healthcare providers based on gender. Participants reported gender markers as a barrier for healthcare services, such as inappropriate or incomplete response options on billing and medical forms. Participants perceived discrimination among gynecology, psychiatry, and medical emergency staff, and pharmacists. Overall, transgender individuals experienced mistreatment while transitioning in a rural area which created issues with participants’ progress in transitioning. This study shows that education for all types of healthcare providers is needed regarding transgender health. Particularly in rural areas—many of which continue to lack essential healthcare services for the general population—the transgender population might not receive the culturally sensitive and appropriate attention they require.