Recent social media posts discussed a study published last month in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, which found that transgender people with gender dysphoria who undergo gender-affirming surgery are more likely to experience mental health symptoms than those who do not receive surgery. The study authors emphasized that the results underscore “the need for ongoing, gender-sensitive mental health support for transgender individuals post-surgery.” Several popular social media posts misinterpreted the study, alleging that gender-affirming surgery is the cause of worsening mental health, a claim that is not supported by the study’s results. Other posts noted stigma can contribute to trans people experiencing ongoing mental health symptoms before and after surgery.
Recommendation
Conversations about gender-affirming care and mental health are frequently impacted by misleading and stigmatizing claims. Messaging may highlight that the study did not assess participants’ mental health before and after surgery but rather compared a population that has undergone surgery to a population that has not. Studies that follow individuals through gender-affirming care consistently show an improvement in mental health. Additionally, regret rates for gender-affirming procedures are significantly lower than those for other types of surgeries. Communicators may continue sharing mental health resources geared toward trans people, such as local therapists who specialize in trans issues, support groups, the Trans Lifeline, the Trevor Project’s hotline for LGBTQ+ youth, and the LGBT National Help Center.
Fact-checking sources: Public Good News, Columbia University
