The acronym LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) has expanded to LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual or allies). The health needs of this community are often grouped together, yet each of these letters represents a distinct population with its own health concerns. Youth who identify as transgender usually experience multiple physical, psychological, and social challenges from childhood through adolescence. Gender-affirming surgical interventions improve both one's mental health and one's quality of life for those who are transgender but often occur later in the transgender journey. This article will focus on the healthcare needs and experiences of transgender youth in the school setting before coming to the attention of the surgical team.
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