ABSTRACT
There is an urgent need for specific data about transgender populations. Transgender individuals may experience discrimination in housing, employment, and medical care. They are disproportionately victims of hate crimes, and they can too easily lose their jobs, their children, and their access to medical care and social services. However, when they attempt to fight for their rights in court they are often challenged to present “scientific” data to support their case (Currah & Minter, 2000; Spade, 2003). These data could provide support for the fact that a procedure is medically necessary, that being transsexual does not harm one’s children, or that transsexual children benefit from supportive environments. Because the presence of such data has the potential to positively impact the lives of transgender individuals, sound research that addresses issues related to these populations is clearly needed.
