“Ever since I knew I was trans I knew I wanted hormone therapy”: a qualitative exploration into the journey of Australian trans individuals accessing feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy

Abstract

Background:For many trans folks, gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is a desired affirming procedure that has been linked with positive health outcomes, however literature has had little focus on the journeys of trans people as they access GAHT.Aim:To understand trans people’s journey of accessing GAHT to delineate supports necessary to better engage trans individuals into gender-affirming care.Method:This study conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of 15 Australian trans adults who participated in a larger study investigating the effects of a cyproterone acetate titration protocol.Findings:A four-factor thematic structure was created from the data. Theme one describes early cognizance of being trans and the pivotal moments in their trans realization. The second theme explores the rapid engagement with community to begin accessing information and affirming healthcare, including GAHT. The third theme explores barriers to engaging in GAHT and theme four reflects on advice participants have for other trans people who are considering GAHT.Conclusion:Findings from this study emphasize the importance of providing support to young trans people to help reconcile their gender identity and assist them to engage into care as early as possible. It also highlights the key role that community plays in providing links to affirming information and providers of GAHT – but also emphasizes the importance of considering how to engage with community who may be missed. The experience of accessing GAHT is personal and contextual, but signaling of affirming safe spaces and access to salient information may be key strategies to better support trans people choosing to access GAHT.