Gender-Affirming Care for Adults

Gender-affirming care (GAC) for adults is comprehensive, person-centered health care that affirms gender identity through social, behavioral, medical, and surgical interventions. Beyond hormones and surgery, GAC encompasses primary and preventive care, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, voice and communication therapy, and social supports. Robust evidence indicates that GAC improves dysphoria, depression, and suicidality and is associated with better psychosocial outcomes. This article translates current evidence and guidelines into bedside-ready practices for nurses and interprofessional teams, addresses misinformation, and outlines the rapidly evolving US legal landscape shaping access to lifesaving care.