Health Disparities in Trans youth

Transgender and gender non-conforming youth face significant health disparities that are often misunderstood or overlooked in clinical practice. This 1-hour CME/CE course, "Health Disparities in Trans Youth," offers a foundational overview for healthcare professionals aiming to deliver more inclusive, affirming, and competent care to LGBTQIA+ patients. The course begins by introducing the appropriate terminology and vocabulary used within the community, with an emphasis on respectful and accurate communication.

Participants will explore the challenges faced by trans youth, including healthcare access barriers, mental health vulnerabilities, and the effects of societal stigma. The importance of visibility, trust-building, and early intervention is underscored as key factors in enhancing clinical outcomes and promoting long-term well-being. The course also provides guidance on the primary care and preventive health needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals, equipping providers with tools to foster equity in healthcare delivery.

This course fulfills state-mandated CE requirements in Cultural Competency and LGBTQ+ health for nurses, physician assistants, and physicians in the District of Columbia, Oregon, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, and Nevada.

Educational Objectives

• Identify and define key vocabulary and terminology used within the LGBTQIA community.
• Discuss the importance of visibility and recognizing healthcare disparities in transgender youth.
• Recognize how early intervention in addressing disparities can improve clinical outcomes for trans patients.
• Discuss the primary care and preventive health needs of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is designed for:

• Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Nurses in the District of Columbia, Oregon, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, and Nevada.
• Healthcare professionals who want to meet their state's LGBTQ+ or Cultural Competency CE requirements.
• Clinicians working in primary care, pediatrics, mental health, or adolescent medicine who serve transgender and gender-diverse populations.
• Any provider seeking to foster inclusive, trauma-informed, and affirming care practices.

Did You Know?

• Transgender youth are more than four times as likely to experience depression compared to their cisgender peers. [CDC, 2022]
• Only 30% of trans youth report having healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about their needs. [GLSEN, 2021]
• Early gender-affirming care is associated with reduced rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. [JAMA Pediatrics, 2020]
• Over 90% of LGBTQ+ youth say that access to affirming spaces significantly improves their mental health. [Trevor Project, 2022]
• States such as Oregon and the District of Columbia have implemented mandatory LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for healthcare licensure renewal.