While the term transgender was developed in the 1960s and popularized in the 1990s, trans history is as old as human history. Trans people have always existed. Trans historians are documenting those stories.

Unfortunately, in more recent history thriving into geriatric status has been challenging for trans community. Increased rates of minority stress, lower SES, higher rates of violence and suicide, plus healthcare discrimination, have lead to fewer trans folx living in to elder status. There is a beautiful photo series on Surviving these Shores.

Learning more about the history of trans healthcare can be useful for clinicians as well. There was a recent article, “Why Should Other People Be the Judge”: The Codification of

Assessment Criteria for Gender-Affirming Care, 1970s–1990s,” that gives a fascinating overview of the history of trans healthcare. Recommended reading to learn more about how we got where we are.