Texas Transgender Health Program is a collaborative effort organized by Equality Texas Foundation and Texas Health Institute to improve the health of transgender, gender non-binary, and Intersex Texans. The primary goal is to reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts by transgender people. The National Center for Transgender Equality’s Report of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey documents the extent of this important health issue.

• Among the starkest findings is that 40% of trans people have attempted suicide in their lifetime­ – nearly nine times the attempted suicide rate in the U.S. population (4.6%).
• Eighty-two percent (82%) have seriously thought about killing themselves at some point in their lives.
• Thirty-nine percent (39%) reported their first attempt occurred between the ages of 14 and 17.
• Thirty-nine percent (39%) are currently experiencing serious psychological distress – nearly eight times the rate in the U.S. population (5%).
• Seven percent (7%) attempted suicide in the past year – nearly twelve times the rate of attempted suicide in the U.S. population in the past year (0.6%).

A majority of the Texas transgender population lacks access to health services at an affordable cost and has disproportionately poorer health outcomes compared to the broader population. This is especially true among our youth and people of color.

“We believe creating transgender culturally competent health environments is one of the most important programs THI can be involved in,” said John Oeffinger, THI Director of eLearning and Training and Texas Transgender Health Program Co-Project Director. “We are excited to work with Equality Texas Foundation and believe our two organizations can make a positive difference in the health of transgender Texans.”

“I am looking forward to the Partnership between THI and EQTX. Increasing access to health services and reducing suicidality for trans/non-binary folks is so important. This will literally be a life saving project, one that Texas needs drastically.” said Lou Weaver, Equality Texas Transgender Programs Coordinator.

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The Equality Texas Foundation works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through education, community organizing, and collaboration.

Texas Health Institute (THI) translates emerging research on population and preventative health into practical applications for communities. THI’s programs and education offerings accelerate the implementation of new findings, creating opportunities for people to lead a healthy life.