Pharmacy barriers for transgender and gender diverse young adults

Background: Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals face substantial physical and mental health care barriers. Community pharmacies are one of the most accessible health care settings; however, concern for discrimination at the pharmacy has been reported. It is important to gain a better understanding of TGD individual's perspectives and experiences at the pharmacy to ensure optimal and inclusive care. Objective: To identify TGD individual experiences and barriers at the pharmacy. Methods: This institutional review board−approved qualitative study recruited TGD young adults in the United States between ages 18 and 29 years for semi-structured focus group discussions. Questions focused on barriers to obtaining medications at the pharmacy and negative or positive experiences with pharmacists. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and transcripts were analyzed for common themes amongst participants. Results: Nine 1.5- to 2-hour focus groups were conducted and included 30 participants (2–6 participants in each group). All participants reported having been prescribed medications by a physician or mental health provider. Participants self-reported issues at pharmacies and with pharmacy personnel. Major themes included issues accessing medications and supplies (needles, syringes), questioning of prescription validity and patient identity, and lack of education or understanding of TGD individuals by pharmacy staff. Conclusion: TGD individuals experience barriers at the pharmacy and concerning issues with pharmacy staff. Education, structural competency, and improvements in gender-related data management are necessary for pharmacists and pharmacy staff to provide equitable and inclusive care for TGD individuals.