New Report Shows Health Discrimination, Disparities in Philadelphia's Transgender Community
Local Study Participants Say Barriers Prevent Proper Care
http://www.phmc.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=378:new-report-shows-health-discrimination-disparities-in-philadelphias-transgender-community&catid=29&Itemid=1465When Barbara Mclean walked into the doctor's office, she expected care. Instead, the 52-year-old transsexual experienced nothing but hostility during her physical examination. "The doctor thought I was one thing, but I was another," says Mclean. "At first when I got there, they asked the normal questions you would expect at a doctor's visit, but when I lifted up my robe, their whole attitude changed."
A new study from Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) shows Mclean's experience is not atypical within Philadelphia's transgender community. According to a survey conducted by PHMC research associate Lee Carson, of 127 transgender participants surveyed almost one in five report unequal treatment or service within a doctor's office or hospital and 14% report verbal harassment or disrespect while there.
