Chennai Meeting Highlights Gaps in Trans Men's Healthcare

Issues concerning healthcare access for transgender men were brought to light at a State-level consultation meeting held in Chennai on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Participants highlighted challenges such as inadequate counseling and severe side effects from high-dosage hormone therapies, alongside a perceived apathy from medical professionals at the 12 government-run gender clinics in Tamil Nadu.

Trans rights activists noted the scarcity of medical research focused on transgender men compared to transgender women. Personal accounts shared at the meeting included experiences of severe adverse effects from incorrectly prescribed hormone dosages and discomfort during medical examinations. These discussions underscored the need for more specialized and empathetic healthcare.

Government representatives, including officials from the National Health Mission and the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, attended the meeting. They listened to the grievances and assured that steps would be taken to enhance services. The officials acknowledged the evolving nature of transgender healthcare and emphasized the importance of ongoing feedback to improve the system.