Half of Transgender Individuals Still Estranged from Families; Less Than 10% Fully Supported

New Delhi: Doctors at AIIMS Delhi have emphasized that transgender individuals are an integral part of both society and their families, but many continue to face harassment and lack of support at home. While earlier less than 10% of transgender people had family backing, this figure has improved to 40–50%, leaving around half still struggling without familial support.

Medical Care and Surgeries at AIIMS

AIIMS Delhi has taken responsibility for the complete care of transgender individuals, covering both psychological support and physical transformation. During a recent medical conference at AIIMS, Dr. Manish Singhal, HOD of the Plastic Surgery Department, shared that around 50 transgender surgeries were performed last year, and the hospital plans to double this number in 2026.

Understanding Gender Identity

Dr. Rajesh Khadgawat from the Endocrinology Department explained that the issue is not a physical deficiency but a mismatch between self-identity and assigned gender at birth. Some individuals born as girls identify as male, while some born as boys identify as female. Many still face harassment and discrimination in society and at home.

Treatment Process at AIIMS

Patients first visit the Transgender Clinic in the Endocrinology Department, where they undergo blood tests and screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, liver, and kidney function. Hormone therapy is then initiated with full patient consent, and can be paused at any time if the individual chooses.

Long-Term Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy often continues for decades, sometimes even into a person’s 50s. Transgender individuals transitioning from female to male receive male hormones, while those transitioning from male to female are administered female hormones and male hormone blockers to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity.

AIIMS Delhi’s initiatives highlight the progress in medical care and societal support for transgender individuals, though family acceptance remains a major challenge for many.