Sydney Proudlock
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Megan Lane
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Plastic Surgery / Medicine
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 3 – 1:40pm – 2:30 pm
Room: League Ballroom
Authors:
Presenter: 73
Abstract
Gender-affirming surgery (GAS) is a term for feminizing and masculinizing surgical procedures that are commonly sought out by trans and nonbinary individuals (TGNB). Multiple studies have demonstrated the psychosocial benefits of GAS. However, individuals seeking gender-affirming surgery often experience setbacks throughout their journeys and obstacles that prevent them from receiving care. In this qualitative study, we analyze 20 trans and nonbinary participants’ experience receiving gender-affirming surgery through Journey Mapping and interviews to identify common barriers to care and ways to reduce them. Prior to interviews, participants were asked to draw a map of their experience through GAS as a way to visually represent obstacles they faced as they decided to pursue surgery, research their options, receive surgery, and recover. Interviews and images were transcribed and coded for recurring barriers to care or common setbacks with overarching themes analyzed. 8 interviews have been performed thus far with preliminary thematic findings among participants indicating that receiving approval letters from therapists, having a lack of insurance coverage, and funding cost of surgery are major barriers to gender-affirming surgery. These barriers may translate to further quantitative work and policy change in the future.
Biomedical Sciences
