The American Psychological Association is the largest association of psychologists worldwide.

• Transgender, Gender Identity & Gender Expression Non-Discrimination

  Anton, B. S., Proceedings of the American Psychological Association for the legislative year 2008: Minutes of the annual meeting of the Council of Representatives. American Psychologist, 64, 372–453 (2009).

  "Therefore be it resolved that APA opposes all public and private discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived gender identity and expression and urges the repeal of discriminatory laws and policies; ...

  Therefore be it further resolved that APA calls upon psychologists in their professional roles to provide appropriate, nondiscriminatory treatment to transgender and gender variant individuals and encourages psychologists to take a leadership role in working against discrimination towards transgender and gender variant individuals; ...

  Therefore be it further resolved that APA supports the provision of adequate and necessary mental and medical health care treatment for transgender and gender variant individuals;

  Therefore be it further resolved that APA recognizes the efficacy, benefit and medical necessity of gender transition treatments for appropriately evaluated individuals and calls upon public and private insurers to cover these medically necessary treatments;

  Therefore be it further resolved that APA supports access to appropriate treatment in institutional settings for people of all gender identities and expressions; including access to appropriate health care services including gender transition therapies; ..."

  Date: 2008

• APA Comments on Nondiscrimination in Health and Health Education Programs or Activities

  The APA opposed the repeal of transgender-specific protections under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act noting: "We are especially concerned about the discrimination many transgender people experience in the healthcare system because the proposed rule eliminates the general prohibition of discrimination based on gender identity, as well as specific health insurance coverage protections for transgender people. ...

  APA practice guidelines recognize that care for transgender persons can include assessment, psychotherapy or surgery." Even though these treatments may be clinically necessary, providers or insurance plans under the proposed rule may refuse to provide or pay for them. ...

  Additionally, after publication of the rule implementing Section 1557, one study showed that over 95% of insurers removed exclusions for gender dysphoria treatments from their 2017 plans, ensuring that a greater number of transgender consumers can have access to treatment. If the proposed rule were implemented, positive gains made in improving transgender health outcomes in recent years would be lost."

  Date: 2019