Legal Gender Affirmation, Psychological Distress, and Physical Health Issues: Indirect Effects via Enacted Stigma

The study investigates the associations between legal gender affirmation and health outcomes among transgender and gender diverse individuals, with a focus on psychological distress and physical health. It also explores the potential mediating effects of enacted stigma, shedding light on how legal recognition impacts mental and physical well-being. The research highlights the critical role of legal affirmation in reducing psychological distress and improving physical health, while also underscoring the need to address enacted stigma to fully realize these benefits. The study's exploratory approach to demographic variables adds depth to understanding which subgroups may be more likely to legally affirm their gender. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of improving access to legal gender affirmation as a means to promote healthier outcomes for this marginalized community.