Groundbreaking Study Affirms the Positive Long-Term Outcomes of Gender-Affirming Care

October 22, 2024

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics has revealed overwhelmingly positive findings regarding the long-term satisfaction of trans and gender diverse youth who have undergone gender-affirming medical care. 

The study, which followed 269 youth who began their transitions between 2013 and 2017, found that after 6 to 10 years, 97% of participants continued their care and reported extremely high satisfaction levels. Only 3% had discontinued hormone replacement therapy—directly countering ongoing criticisms of gender-affirming healthcare.

At Point of Pride, we have long understood and witnessed the life-saving power of gender-affirming care, and this study further affirms what our community experiences firsthand: trans young people are thriving with access to appropriate medical care. 

“Our recipients share such profound stories of joy and fulfillment once they are able to access the care they need,” says Tyler Rodriguez, Director of Programs at Point of Pride. “The high levels of satisfaction reflected in this study align with what we hear daily. Trans youth and adults alike experience a deep sense of relief and happiness when they are able to live in alignment with their gender identity.”

“This research further confirms what we have always known: gender-affirming care is not only safe, but it significantly improves the lives of trans folks,” says Chief Advancement Officer and co-founder Aydian Dowling. “The fact that so few regret their care speaks volumes about the importance of affirming treatments and the satisfaction that follows.”

Jeff Main, Executive Director and co-founder, added, “Critics of trans healthcare often suggest that trans people will regret our decisions years later, but study after study shows that this simply isn’t true. The overwhelmingly positive outcomes reflected here show how essential gender-affirming care is, and we will continue to fight to ensure that trans youth and adults have access to the care they need and deserve.”