Va. studies medical needs of transgender
By Dionne Walker, Associated Press Writer

Zakia McKensey, right, an outreach specialist, advises a transgender client about prescriptions at the Fan Free Clinic in Richmond, Va., Jan. 17, 2006. McKensey, also a transgender woman, helps peers find safe hormone treatments at the Richmond clinic. (AP Photo/Lisa Billings)

RICHMOND, Va. --For all the primping, powdering and pumping up many transgender men and women will do to pass as the opposite sex, there's one thing health care experts say too many of them can't stomach: a visit to the doctor.

A health study by the Virginia Health Department and Virginia Commonwealth University is intended to unravel the fears and prejudices hindering transgender people from seeking health care.

The Virginia Transgender Health Initiative Study targets those who feel they were born the wrong biological sex. Some undergo full transitions and have surgery; others take hormone injections to change their ... continue reading 'VA studies medical needs... (via Boston.com)'