Trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary youth and their families, friends and care providers often comment on how gender-affirming care is life saving. This is reflected both in evidence-based research and through first-hand accounts of people with lived experience.

Social affirmation steps are reversible and have been shown to relieve anxiety, depression and gender-related distress while improving mental health, happiness and self-confidence.

Some youth will benefit from medical affirmation. Gender affirming medical care has been shown to improve mental health and overall wellbeing; and can reduce gender-related distress, mental health challenges and suicidality. Gender-affirming care helps youth to live as their authentic selves, to more comfortably and confidently engage in the world around them and to thrive.

We know that trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary youth experience unique challenges accessing health care due to our systems and society being created without their needs in mind. These challenges can make it hard for youth to open up and have conversations with their providers about their gender and gender-related health needs. There is still the need for providers to gain more familiarity and comfort in talking about gender. Youth often report fear of discrimination and prior negative experiences getting in the way of talking about gender. For some youth, especially in rural and remote locations, logistical challenges, including transportation and a lack of affirming providers, make accessing health care even harder.

Supporting trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary young people means helping them safely access the care they need — when they need it. Delays in support can negatively impact youth. The actions we take to reduce barriers to care and information can make a major difference to a gender diverse youth who needs timely care.