A fight for health: my transgender journey for care

Abstract

This critical autoethnographic study chronicles my personal journey accessing health care as a transgender person. Access to health care is a current issue for transgender people in Canada, particularly in Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island. This research addresses geographical and methodological gaps in the current literature by providing a rich and detailed description of my health care journey as a member of Prince Edward Island’s transgender community. This insider account intends to improve understanding, increase awareness, and facilitate meaningful health system and societal change. Personal memory data, self-observation/self-reflection data, and external data sets including my medical records, surgery denial forms, Facebook conversations, and personal emails were collected. Thematic analysis was conducted using a queer theory lens and revealed four major themes: ill health and personal transformation, privacy and safety, barriers and facilitators to care, and an ideal system and hope for the future. Four recommendations were generated: the need for a gender-affirming health care policy, better pathways to access medical transition related health care services, education and training for Prince Edward Island health care professionals, and an online information hub.