Examining Associations Between State-Level Transgender Policies and Transgender Health

Abstract

Compared with their cisgender counterparts, transgender individuals face both structural-level discrimination and health disparities across health domains. We used recent population-level data to examine associations between state-level policy ratings regarding transgender people and transgender health (poor physical and mental health days, health behaviors, and health care utilization). We hypothesized more inclusive and protective state-level policies would predict better health of transgender individuals. The sample (<i>N</i>=1116) was approximately half white (<i>n</i>=572, 51.2%) and half transgender women (<i>n</i>=551, 49.3%). More transgender-inclusive and protective state-level policies predicted better health in three of four health domains. Policy and research implications are discussed.