This article was originally published by QNews. You can find the original article here.
A new study by Australian researchers has found that the mental health of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) Australians is worse today than it was in 2010.
The researchers used data from the 2001–2022 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey to compare mental health trends between trans and gender-diverse and cisgender Australians.
They published the results as Gender identity and mental health inequalities 2001–2022: population-level evidence from an Australian cohort study in the journal BMJ Mental Health.
Across the 22 year period, trans and gender-diverse Australians consistently reported poorer mental health than the cisgender respondents.
However from 2010 there was a trend of widening mental health inequality between the two groups that was particularly seen in younger people.
“Our results demonstrate that there are significant TGD-related mental health inequalities in Australia, and they have widened since 2010,” the researchers found.
“Alongside existing evidence documenting poorer mental health outcomes among TGD populations, these trends suggest the need for social and legal reform to reduce persistent and widening mental health inequalities.
“Enhanced collection of gender identity in population-level surveys is urgently needed to better understand the extent of this public health issue and target effective solutions.”
RANZCP responds
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) President, Dr Elizabeth Moore, said the findings underscored the systemic barriers and challenges faced by trans and gender-diverse Australians in the past two decades, further compounded by the Queensland Government’s recent decision to freeze gender-affirming care for new patients under 18.
“Trans and gender-diverse people experience higher rates of mental illness due to stigma, discrimination, trauma, and social exclusion,” Dr Moore said.
“It is extremely worrying that we are moving backwards in how we care for trans and gender-diverse Australians.
“Blanket bans on evidence-informed treatments, like the one imposed in Queensland, only cause more harm by preventing clinicians from providing essential care to a vulnerable group of people.
“Instead, governments must expand access to patient-centred, evidence-based care that is delivered ethically, respectfully, and with consent in culturally safe environments.”
Wait for independent review
RANZCP and other peak health bodies have urged the Queensland Government to pause its decision until the findings of the state’s independent review into puberty blockers are released.
Dr Moore reaffirmed the College’s commitment to supporting both the Queensland and Federal Governments in their reviews of care standards and treatment guidelines for trans and gender-diverse children and adolescents.
“We have long advocated for more research in Australia and New Zealand into safe and effective treatment options for trans and gender-diverse individuals, guided by the strongest clinical evidence,” Dr Moore said.
“But while these reviews take place, we cannot allow the debate to fuel further stigma and marginalise those directly affected.
“Trans and gender-diverse people deserve to be treated with care, respect and dignity at all times, under all circumstances and by all medical services.
“And that includes upholding their right to access the support they need and ensuring established treatments are not withdrawn in ways that cause distress or harm.”
“We encourage our members to continue working alongside trans and gender-diverse people, their families, and carers to ensure their mental health needs are being met.
“At a time when mental health disparities are worsening, governments must prioritise expanding, and not restricting, access to care for trans and gender diverse people that is safe, ethical, consensual and grounded in clinical expertise,” Dr Moore said.
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
