We're often asked how many people are trans. This is difficult to estimate. However, prevalence estimates continue to rise. As Jack mentioned earlier, 12% of millennials identify as trans or non-binary based on a U.S. survey. Trans Care BC uses a prevalence rate of 1% to 3%, with 0.3% to 0.6% of people needing medical intervention related to gender transition. Even using current conservative prevalence estimates like this, the number of trans individuals in Canada registers in the hundreds of thousands. While many transpeople do not require gender-specific medical interventions to live comfortably in their gender, those who do often experience significant challenges in accessing this needed care.
Canadian researchers have documented high rates of harassment and violence towards trans adults. A national survey of trans youth revealed concerning outcomes surrounding mental health, psychosocial supports and access to care. Many transpeople in Canada have positive health outcomes, which can be attributed to strong support networks and access to health care, education, employment, housing and other services. Others lack the supports necessary to thrive. Gender-based marginalization can be magnified as a result of intersecting oppressions related to such factors as race, ethnicity, class and age.
Intervention is needed at multiple levels to address social determinants of health for all trans Canadians. Based on our expertise and experience in improving health services for transgender individuals in communities and the ongoing input we receive from those we serve, we offer recommendations for ways in which Canadian policy-makers can improve the health and well-being of transpeople in Canada.