A Phenomenological Study of Adults Receiving Gender Affirmation Care at Clinics Specializing in Transgender Healthcare

Transgender adults encounter obstacles accessing adequate healthcare; additionally, providers face barriers in meeting the unique needs of transgender people. To mitigate barriers, select clinics specialize in transgender healthcare. The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experiences of adults receiving gender affirmation care at clinics specializing in transgender healthcare. We administered a digital questionnaire with open-ended questions and an optional photograph upload representative of participants’ experiences, obtaining a purposeful sample of 20 respondents. Steeped in a critical inquiry paradigm while utilizing hermeneutic phenomenology in data analysis, six themes emerged: Clinic Operational Experiences, A Sense of Belonging, Participants’ Views of Providers, Anxiety and Relief, Personal Agency, and Lens on Duality. Participants reported satisfaction with the care they received at their specialized clinic, highlighting the importance of inclusive language to avoid misgendering but noting long wait times for initial consultations. Based upon study findings, we recommend healthcare teams utilize chosen names and pronouns, develop collaborative partnerships, create inclusive spaces, and foster holistic care