A qualitative exploration of positive body image experiences among nonbinary individuals.

One group whose positive body image experiences remain under-explored is individuals who identify as nonbinary, gender fluid, and/or genderqueer (including other nonbinary identities). Thus, we sought to answer the questions: What does it look like to have a positive body image for a nonbinary person? and How do nonbinary persons form and maintain a positive body image? To answer these questions, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 15 nonbinary individuals who were assessed as having positive body image using the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (Tylka & Wood-Barcalow, 2015a). Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were identified as characterizing the core features of positive body image among nonbinary persons: body appreciation, body- and self-acceptance, bodily appearance embodied their authentic self, and holding flexible ideals for ways of being. Six themes were identified as related to on-going processes that explain how body image is formed and maintained among nonbinary persons: reframing negative body image information, staging resistance, experiencing representation, receiving and giving social support, practicing self-compassion and self-care, and using dress to create a satisfying presentation of self. In keeping with the tenets of queer theory, findings reflected how gender identity set a context for participants' positive body image experiences.

Androgenetic alopecia in transgender and gender diverse populations: A review of therapeutics.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) management is a significant clinical and therapeutic challenge for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) patients. Although gender-affirming hormone therapies affect hair growth, there is little research about AGA in TGD populations. After reviewing the literature on approved treatments, off-label medication usages, and procedures for treating AGA, we present treatment options for AGA in TGD patients. The first-line treatments for any TGD patient include topical minoxidil 5% applied to the scalp once or twice daily, finasteride 1 mg oral daily, and/or low-level laser light therapy. Spironolactone 200 mg daily is also first-line for transfeminine patients. Second-line options include daily oral minoxidil dosed at 1.25 or 2.5 mg for transfeminine and transmasculine patients, respectively. Topical finasteride 0.25% monotherapy or in combination with minoxidil 2% solution are second-line options for transmasculine and transfeminine patients, respectively. Other second-line treatments for any TGD patient include oral dutasteride 0.5 mg daily, platelet-rich plasma, or hair restoration procedures. After 6-12 months of treatment, AGA severity and treatment progress should be assessed via scales not based on sex; eg, the Basic and Specific Classification or the Bouhanna scales. Dermatologists should coordinate care with the patient's primary gender-affirming clinician(s) so that shared knowledge of all medications exists across the care team.

PrEP navigation continuum among men who have sex with men, trans women, and people with alternative gender identities in three California counties.

Strategies to reduce new HIV infections include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Of the estimated over 221,000 Californians with an indication for PrEP, only 31,280 (14 %) were currently taking the medication as of 2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Project PrIDE funds were used to support and develop California PrEP navigation programs designed to increase PrEP uptake among trans persons and men who have sex with men (MSM). An analysis of PrIDE-funded PrEP navigation service outcomes was conducted to highlight where continuum drop-off occurred and how it varied among priority populations. Quantitative service delivery data for PrEP navigation program activities conducted from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2018 were collected across three county-level local health jurisdictions (LHJs) via standardized, agency-completed service delivery data collection tools. Analyses included frequencies and crosstabs. These variations were not tested statistically but highlight group-specific needs to be addressed before implementing PrEP navigation within California. Continued systematic collection and analyses of PrEP continuum outcomes will allow programs to dynamically identify and address barriers to PrEP uptake in priority populations.

Welcoming transgender and nonbinary patients: expanding the language of "women's health".

In this article, we consider the impact of gendered language on our ability to provide inclusive care and to address health disparities experienced by transgender and nonbinary people. We posit that while obstetrician-gynecologists and others trained in women's health are already well positioned to extend care to this population, we can improve this care through simple adjustments in the framing and language we use.

Barriers to insurance coverage for transgender patients.

Transgender people report discrimination in access to health care that is associated with numerous poor health outcomes, including higher prevalence of HIV infection, substance use disorders, and suicide attempts. The field of obstetrics and gynecology is uniquely positioned to meet a wide range of health care needs for transgender people, and obstetrician-gynecologists can and ought to provide gender-affirming care for these patients. Despite growing evidence that gender-affirming care is both necessary and cost-effective, transgender patients continue to face barriers to securing insurance coverage, which prevents clinicians from practicing standards of care. The purpose of this article is to delineate the major barriers transgender patients face when seeking insurance reimbursement for services routinely available to cisgender (nontransgender) women.

Updating college and university campus policies.

SUMMARY This article gathers information not only from my own personal experiences, but also from the experiences of trans students, staff and faculty members with whom I have worked as a human sexuality educator and consultant, and from my current qualitative research on trans youth for my PhD dissertation. As the trans community becomes more visible, and people become more comfortable in asserting their gender non-conforming characteristics, a backlash of harassment and discrimination has been evident across our campuses. Colleges and universities are often ignorant or ill-equipped without accurate knowledge of trans people, and as a result isolate students and employees, or ignore them altogether. This article discusses the current challenges of trans students, staff and faculty members, as well as addresses specific ways in which schools can improve work conditions and provide access to a safe education for all students.