doing it for themselves Transgender individuals are increasingly relying on online communities to share vital health information and support each other amid growing societal and political challenges.
doing it for themselves
The Current Landscape for Trans Rights
In 2014, Time magazine heralded the “Transgender Tipping Point,” a moment that many hoped would signify progress for transgender rights and visibility. However, the current landscape for trans individuals in the U.S. and the U.K. paints a starkly different picture. State legislators are enacting laws that threaten the rights and safety of trans people, while public figures like J.K. Rowling are funding campaigns that promote anti-trans narratives. In the U.K., the government has issued the Cass Review, a controversial report criticized for its ideological bias against trans youth.
Trans individuals often find themselves fighting for basic rights—such as using restrooms, working without harassment, and engaging in social media—activities that many take for granted. Yet, the struggle for acceptance and understanding continues to be a significant barrier for this community.
Information as a Lifeline
Access to accurate information about trans health is crucial for survival. Many trans individuals rely on a combination of public and private channels to gather information, ranging from social media platforms to encrypted messaging apps like Signal. This information is vital for advocating for their own healthcare needs, especially when medical providers may lack the necessary training or understanding of trans issues.
“People are taking science to their doctors who don’t know how to work with them,” noted a transgender health researcher. “There’s no curriculum for [trans healthcare]. They’re teaching doctors. There’s always a lot of heavy lifting for a trans patient.” This sentiment underscores the challenges that trans individuals face when navigating a healthcare system that is often ill-equipped to meet their needs.
The Role of Online Communities
Online communities have emerged as essential hubs for sharing critical healthcare information and lived experiences. However, these platforms are not without risks. The lack of accountability can lead to the spread of misinformation, making it increasingly difficult for trans individuals to discern what is safe and reliable.
Avery Edenfield, a researcher focused on transgender communities, highlighted the unique communication styles that have developed within these spaces. In a 2019 paper, Edenfield described “tactical technical communication,” where trans individuals share medical information rooted in personal experience, as well as “tactical referrals” that guide others toward peer-reviewed professional resources.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
Trans individuals are actively engaging in “tactical technical communication” by sharing their experiences and providing detailed guides on trans health. These guides often include information about gender-affirming hormones, dosing, and delivery methods, which patients can bring to their healthcare providers. This grassroots approach to healthcare empowers trans individuals to advocate for themselves in a system that may not fully understand their needs.
For instance, a trans individual in the U.K. shared their experience of navigating a lengthy waiting period to access care. “They didn’t prescribe me T until after March [2025], and even then, it was too low a level,” they explained. The guidance they received from online communities was instrumental in pushing back against inadequate care.
The Importance of Tactical Referrals
Tactical referrals play a crucial role in connecting trans individuals with vetted resources, including scientific research, guidelines for gender-affirming care, and lists of supportive healthcare providers. Some members of the community are well-versed in academic literature and use their knowledge to empower others who may not have the same level of expertise.
Another researcher emphasized the intelligence and commitment of individuals within the trans community, stating, “A lot of the people in this community are very up on reading all kinds of scientific papers. They are smart, committed, loving people that are fighting to do good.” This collective intelligence is a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of healthcare.
Building Trust in Care Networks
Word-of-mouth recommendations are vital in establishing trust within the trans community. This approach mirrors the Jane Collective, a group of lay abortion providers that operated from 1969 to 1973, demonstrating how informal networks can provide essential care when formal systems fail.
Trans individuals often rely on personal relationships to vouch for healthcare providers and disseminate information. This decentralized model ensures that even if one resource becomes unavailable, others can fill the gap, allowing trans individuals to make informed choices about their health and transition.
Challenges and Risks
Despite the benefits of these online communities, challenges persist. The anonymity that some users rely on for safety can also obscure critical information about individuals’ backgrounds. This lack of transparency can make it easier for transphobes to infiltrate these spaces and spread misinformation.
The current “grift economy” on social media rewards those who spread fear and confusion, complicating the search for reliable information. Misinformation can proliferate even among well-meaning individuals, making it essential for community members to have the tools to verify the accuracy of the information they encounter.
The Role of Moderation
Moderators within these online spaces work diligently to identify and remove misinformation, as well as to warn users about potentially unsafe practices. However, the effectiveness of these measures can vary. Many crowdsourced documents caution users that the information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, yet trans individuals often feel uncomfortable discussing their needs openly with healthcare providers due to past experiences of harassment and abuse.
In this context, the resources provided by online communities become even more critical. They serve as a lifeline in a healthcare environment where power imbalances can put trans patients at risk if they lack independent access to accurate information.
Knowledge as Power
Trans culture has a long history of bodyhacking and reclaiming autonomy over one’s body. This ethos reinforces the belief that knowledge is power. Q, a nonbinary trans person living in the U.K., shared their frustration with the limited understanding of trans identities among healthcare providers. “There’s also the thing of having to perform my transness to the satisfaction of (probably cis) medical professionals just so I can get some tits,” they remarked, highlighting a common struggle for trans individuals seeking gender-affirming care.
Q’s awareness of the risks, benefits, and potential side effects of gender-affirming hormones was crucial for their discussions with healthcare providers. This knowledge not only empowered them but also helped bridge the gap between their lived experience and the medical guidelines that often fail to account for the complexities of trans identities.
Legislative Threats and Community Resilience
As lawmakers increasingly target transgender individuals, the stakes are higher than ever. Policies that equate discussions about transgender identities with “adult material” threaten the existence of online resources and communities. Age verification laws and other restrictions aim to suppress trans voices, making it harder for individuals to access the information they need.
While these measures may not stop people from being transgender, they create an environment that is more dangerous and isolating. The consequences of being cut off from community support and scientifically accurate medical information can be dire, leading to increased risks in healthcare decisions and a sense of hopelessness.
Alexis Dinno, a professor at OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, emphasizes the importance of providing resources that empower individuals to make informed choices. “People fighting for survival deserve access to the tools to make that fight safer,” she argues. Dinno’s commitment to being openly transgender in both her professional and personal life reflects the necessity of visibility and advocacy in the face of adversity.
The Future of Trans Communities
Despite the challenges, many trans individuals remain hopeful and resilient. The underground networks that have long been a part of the trans experience continue to thrive, even as some may feel compelled to operate in the shadows. The beauty, glory, and joy of being trans cannot be extinguished by legislative efforts to erase it.
As one individual aptly put it, “Being trans is too cool to give up on; besides, trying to legislate it out of existence just doesn’t work.” This sentiment captures the enduring spirit of a community that has faced adversity for centuries and continues to fight for its right to exist and thrive.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: October 15, 2025 at 5:38 pm
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