NJDOH Marks Transgender Day of Visibility, Highlights Alarming Gaps in Healthcare and Economic Stability

A Recent Statewide Survey Reveals Discrimination, Poverty, and Barriers to Medical Care Among Transgender and Non-Conforming Residents

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) joined the global observance of International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, spotlighting a troubling reality for transgender residents across the state. Through a recent study known as NJ GURRRLS, officials underscore the urgent need for better healthcare access, anti-discrimination measures, and social supports for women of trans experience and transfeminine people (WTE/TFP).

“NJDOH is proud to continue its work and support of programs that improve the health and life circumstances of transgender and gender non-conforming people,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM. “Our goal is to reduce barriers and improve health outcomes for this community. The numbers speak for themselves. There is no doubt that improving access to clinically and culturally appropriate care and support is critical.”

Key Findings

• Who: New Jersey Department of Health and nearly 200 transgender and gender non-conforming participants in the NJ GURRRLS survey

• What: Findings reveal higher rates of unemployment (34%), poverty (46%), food insecurity (55%), and housing instability (40%) compared to statewide averages

• Where: Statewide data affecting all 21 counties, including local impacts on Morristown and surrounding Morris County communities

• When: Observed annually since 2009, International Transgender Day of Visibility fell on March 31 this year; the NJ GURRRLS survey covered July 2023 to June 2024

• Why: Officials aim to bring attention to the disparities transgender residents face—particularly in healthcare settings—and to strengthen policies supporting gender identity freedoms

• How: NJDOH and the North Jersey Community Research Initiative conducted the NJ GURRRLS survey, using participant feedback to highlight discrimination and identify needed interventions

Among the survey’s most pressing findings are the significant economic and medical vulnerabilities faced by participants. Fourteen percent were uninsured—nearly double the state average—and 23% were unable to afford needed healthcare in the prior year. More than half of the survey group faced food insecurity, and nearly a quarter experienced homelessness within the same timeframe.

Medical discrimination also emerged as a critical issue, with 29% of respondents reporting harassment or denial of care due to their gender identity. Additionally, 24% avoided seeking medical attention for fear of mistreatment. These trends underscore the importance of the New Jersey Transgender Information Hub (transgender.nj.gov), where resources are available for legal aid, mental health support, and navigating health systems.

“The rates of discrimination, unemployment, poverty, food insecurity, and HIV among WTE/TFP are an urgent call to action, and we have to prioritize reducing these disparities,” added Commissioner Baston. “We have to work together to develop effective interventions to ensure trans and gender non-conforming New Jerseyans are able to live their healthiest and most fulfilling lives. Doing so will help us all, by creating thriving communities with opportunities for everyone. This American dream is for all, not a select few.”

Statewide, NJDOH has promoted laws to protect and affirm LGBTQ+ individuals, including ensuring accurate gender markers on vital records and safeguarding LGBTQ+ seniors in long-term care settings. Local advocacy organizations in Morris County and elsewhere can leverage these statewide efforts to offer targeted assistance—particularly for residents facing economic hardships, discrimination, or mental health challenges.

For more information, readers can visit the NJ Transgender Information Hub or contact the Office of Homelessness Prevention at OHP@dca.nj.gov. Under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals have the legal right to equal treatment across housing, employment, and healthcare.