Document Abstract
Published:
2013
Transforming health: international rights-based advocacy for trans health
Trans people across the world face substantial barriers to adequate health and health care
Trans people worldwide experience substantial health disparities and barriers to appropriate health care services. This report presents a number of case studies submitted by organisations from several countries, offering examples of efforts to improve the quality and affordability of healthcare presented to trans people.
The paper notes that trans people are significantly more likely than the general population to be targeted for violence and harassment, to contract HIV, and to be at risk for mental health concerns. Barriers to healthcare include discriminatory treatment by health care providers, a lack of providers who are trained to offer appropriate health care to trans people, and refusal by health systems to cover services for trans people.
The document introduces a set of themes that describe major areas of focus for trans health work:
The paper notes that trans people are significantly more likely than the general population to be targeted for violence and harassment, to contract HIV, and to be at risk for mental health concerns. Barriers to healthcare include discriminatory treatment by health care providers, a lack of providers who are trained to offer appropriate health care to trans people, and refusal by health systems to cover services for trans people.
The document introduces a set of themes that describe major areas of focus for trans health work:
- providing health care services not related to transition, including sexual and reproductive health services
- providing health care services related to transition, including hormone therapy, mental health services, and reconstructive surgeries
- training health care providers to respect and respond appropriately to the health needs and concerns of trans people
- conducting public education aimed at raising awareness of trans experiences and discrimination against trans people
- advocating for policy change aimed at reforming the structures that impact trans people’s lives.
- governments have to protect transgender people from discrimination and create trans-friendly identity document policies
- they have to invest in evidence-based and rights-based programs to achieve health equity for trans communities
- human rights advocates have to integrate trans issues into human rights agendas by including trans community concerns and recognising gender diversity
- trans communities have to form alliances to amplify trans voices, establishing activities promoting trans human rights in the language of health
- funders have to support innovations in trans health advocacy and health care services.
