Historically, the transgender community has faced profound marginalization, often being misunderstood and stigmatized both within and outside the broader LGBTQ community. Until relatively recently, many in the psychiatric and medical communities viewed being transgender as a mental illness, leading to pathologization and medical interventions aimed at "curing" a person's gender identity rather than supporting their transition. The path to self-acceptance and societal acceptance has been fraught with violence, discrimination, and mental health challenges. Transgender individuals are disproportionately affected by homelessness, unemployment, and violence, much of which is due to societal stigma and lack of legal protections.