Transgender health care

Transgender health care includes the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental health conditions which affect transgender individuals. A major component of transgender health care is gender-affirming care, the medical aspect of gender transition. Questions implicated in transgender health care include gender variance, sex reassignment therapy, health risks (in relation to violence and mental health), and access to healthcare for trans people in different countries around the world. Gender-affirming health care can include psychological, medical, physical, and social behavioral care. The purpose of gender-affirming care is to help a transgender individual conform to their desired gender identity.

In the 1920s, physician Magnus Hirschfeld conducted formal studies to understand gender dysphoria and human sexuality and advocated for communities that were marginalized. His research and work provided a new perspective on gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality. This was the first time there was a challenge against societal norms. In addition to his research, Hirschfeld also coined the term transvestite, which in modern terms is known as "transgender". Hirschfeld's work was ended during the Nazi German era when many transgender individuals were arrested and sent to concentration camps.

In 1966 the Johns Hopkins Gender Identity Clinic opened; it was one of the first in the US to provide care for transgender individuals, including hormone replacement therapy, surgery, psychological counseling, and other gender affirmative healthcare. The clinic required patients before a gender affirmation surgery to go through a program called "Real Life Test". The Real Life Test was a program where before a gender affirming surgery the patient was required to live with their desired gender role. In 1979 the clinic was closed by the newly appointed director of psychiatry Paul McHughs.