Trans and gender-diverse people’s experiences of primary care in Sweden – a qualitative study

Findings show that participants' experiences with primary care in Sweden were influenced by cisnormativity, leading to invisibility, exclusion, misgendering, and a lack of knowledge. Experiences of discomfort on the part of care providers, ridicule, disrespect, and denial of care imply the presence of transphobia. These barriers result in trans and gender-diverse people experiencing low levels of trust, having to navigate their care without support, and not having their healthcare needs met. There is an urgent need for increased trans competence and allyship with trans communities to ensure equitable access to healthcare. Training and further research should be developed in close consultation with trans organisations to address these disparities.