Challenges and Discrimination Faced by Transgender Individuals in the U.S.

Abstract

How is it like to be Transgender in the United States? Gender identity is intuitive. It comes with self-validation and a deep sense of intuition on the notion of being transgender, male, female, non-binary, or any other form of gender. Gender identity issues are prevalent in the United States. being transgender does not match the sexual orientation of being male or female. “Transgender” or “trans” is an umbrella term for a transsexual, cross-dresser, gender variant, genderqueer, gender blending, and transvestite, among others (Sapareto). It entails a form of transition involving hormone treatment where one can undergo facial feminization surgery, mastectomy, or electrolysis. Transgender women are assigned female at birth but identify themselves as male. In contrast, transgender men identify themselves as female but are assigned male at birth. Transgender individuals are faced with the uncertainty of gender congruence. Freedom of expression on their gender identity is challenging as they are not comfortable and authentic to label their gender identity. They experience an inward invisible force of gender identity. Transgender persons are a minority in the United States. The public is slow to accept and acknowledge the relevance of such people. According to (Doan, Long, Natasha, & Brian), recent estimates indicate that about 1.4 million U.S. adults identify as transgender or as people whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. The existence of transgender persons is still a myth to many individuals in the United States despite the unending refute by religion, and the Republican party in the U.S. Transgender people are vulnerable in the U.S. they face the adversity of bias and stigmatization. It is evident that in the U.S., transgender people are victims of harassment, discrimination, physical and sexual violence placing them at risk of socioeconomic disadvantages and severe health conditions. Transgender people in the united states are subjects of discrimination. According to (Campbell et al. 27), Transgender people face widespread stigma and discrimination across various domains, including employment, housing, healthcare, and the legal system. Transgender persons find it challenging to serve in government positions when they are qualified to perform in their affirmed gender. According to (Nazish), most transgender service members in the U.S. military report stigmatizing experiences based on their gender identity. These experiences are associated with worse mental health, including more significant depression, anxiety, and stress. The experiences are linked to uniform wear, bathroom use, and change of name. LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) individuals are likely to face workplace and health discrimination in the united states. they are denied employment opportunities due to their gender identity. According to (Strunk), researchers have suggested a link between the health disparities noted in LGBT populations and their healthcare providers' stigma. Transgender people face adversity of discrimination and are timid to disclose what they are going through. In hospitals, health care providers discriminate against LGBT patients due to their sexual identities and gender identities. Discrimination and bias torment psychologically and emotionally. In the U.S, the transgender unemployment rate is three times higher than the national average, states the Out & Equal Workplace Advocates' 2017 report(Nazish). Discrimination of transgender individuals in the workplace reduces motivation and satisfaction in work, low working morale, low income, and overall degradation of the economy. Transgender persons are most likely to succumb to social isolation, depression, self-esteem issues, suicide, and somatic problems hence threatening their health and social interactions. The United States community exerts a lot of stress on individuals who are transgender. The unending rejection and prejudice emanate stress relating to serious health outcomes. Stress links to depression, suicide, and attempted suicide. Transgender individuals end up drinking alcohol and drugs due to the adverse rejection society is subjecting them to. According to (Nazish), trans people are nine times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. Dr. Randi Kaufman, a psychologist, based in New York specializing in sexual orientation and gender identity, claims that high rates of suicide and self-harm emanate from rejection and lack of the necessary support. Society has failed., children grow up in a world where being transgender is a norm that is not apprehended; hence are likely to succumb to obnoxious stressful conditions. Gender identity has not been put in the spotlight. It is even surprising that transgender individuals are not applauded in the United States census. According to (Meerwijik), the population size of transgender individuals in the United States is not well-known, in part because official records, including the U.S. Census, do not include data on gender identity. These statistics show the reckless approach the government has on transgender individuals on...