Transgender community fears inadequate health care

[Natasha]

Transgender community fears inadequate health care

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=220870
5/1/13
Emily Nelson

Rebecca Kling, 28, is a transgender artist and educator and is undergoing gender reassignment surgery later this year. The Edgewater resident knows firsthand about the challenges transgender people face when it comes to receiving healthcare.

In 2010, Kling had to get her gallbladder removed and was concerned with how the medical staff would treat her. She said many of her transgender friends have experienced discrimination, mistreatment and even refused treatment when seeking medical care. 

"To be totally honest I delayed going to the ER for longer than I probably should have because that was a concern of mine, " Kling said.  "It has everything to do with my comfort with being a transgender going to that hospital," she said.