Issues of Transphobia - Case Study Example

Transphobia Gender identities and expressions are naturally diverse worldwide and various stereotype come with gender identity. There always is strong pressure to conform to the set gender rules. A transgender is an individual differing from the rest in regard to gender identity and expression assigned at birth. Transphobia is the intolerance of gender diversity; it is based on the idea that there are only two sexes male and female and that the people who fit the men and women stereotype are better than those who do not. It involves discriminating against transsexuality, transsexual and transgender people, cross dressers, feminine men and masculine women based on their internal gender identity. A phobia is described as emotional disgust, fear, anger or discomfort expressed towards people who conform to certain set expectations. Transphobia is the expression of these prejudices o persons who do not match the society’s gender expectation. It is seen as an aspect of homophobia and sexism. It has been described as the societal discrimination and stigma of individuals who do not conform to the traditional norms of sex and gender. It differentiates from homophobia because it involves larger issues of gender roles and gender identity and not just sexual orientation (Nagoshi et al 38). Manifestations of Transphobia Transphobia can manifest in many ways within the community, these ways are associated to social conformism, religious fundamentalism, authoritarian beliefs and low self-esteem, and they will include things such as; prejudice, discrimination, harassment, violence, and hate crimes. Prejudice is the preconceived judgments towards someone because of personal characteristics. Discrimination is preferential treatment while harassment is a range of behaviors that are of offensive nature aimed to upset. Transgender face intense discrimination across various sectors such as economic discrimination, harassment at home, school or work and discrimination y medical professionals, government agencies among others. Violence may involve physical and verbal abuse and sexual assault. This may happen at home and elsewhere. Hate crimes are mostly experienced y people of sexual minorities like transgender and homosexuals. Hate crimes are violent, destructive, threatening and unlawful (Corona 50). Effects Most transgender people have experienced violence, harassment, prosecution and in some cases wrongful imprisonment mostly due to ignorance and discrimination. May issues experienced by transgender people are related to discrimination. They include the lack of understanding from friends and family, difficulty in finding and retaining work, rejection, violence, intimidation and bullying. Suicide Most transgendered people have been reported to misuse e drugs so as to cope with discrimination that they face. A study done found that the stigma and discrimination experienced creates a hostile social environment that leads to metal health problems. An international study showed that there is a higher suicide and attempted suicide rate among the transgender than any other group of people. Suicide may be as a result of self stigma that is characterized by feelings of shame, loss of self-esteem, hopelessness and guilt. Employment Most transgender people have trouble finding and keeping jobs because of their transgender status. In Companies that have no anti-discrimination rule people who undergo transition may be let go and it is extremely hard to find employment because people are discriminated against. Most have been see to lose their jobs once they begin to transition. During the hiring process, most employers will find other reasons not to hire a transgender candidate. In addition when firing or discriminating a worker on this basis an employer will cite other mixed motives like job performance to cover the Transphobia. This is because employment discrimination based on gender identity and expression is illegal both nationally and internationally. Health provision There have also been reports by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force of transgendered people being refused medical care due to their gender-nonconforming status. Most have been refused treatment due to their transgender and this is not uncommon among members of this community. Lack of medical care has exposed them to higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and various statistics provided have shown that there is a higher prevalence of HIV/AIDS among transgender. This is results from substance use and abuse and engaging in high risk sex that includes sex work. There is social marginalization that creates inequalities in the health sector, such as an increased risk of depression and HIV vulnerability. Transgender people experience barriers to receiving health care that include the avoidance of health care, refusal of care y medical practitioners, difficulties in getting referrals, lack of provider information on transgender issues, and problematic inter-personal interactions with medical personnel (Bauer 359) Possible solutions There are various solutions brought forward y the transgender community and advocacy groups on curing Transphobia. There is the importance of education on sexual orientation, gender identity and sexual health; this is because education can help in making change to these norms and stereotypes that are discriminatory. Another solution is to eliminate Transphobia and ignorance in the transgender health issues from the medical community. There should be education providers that sensitize the medical care providers and to ensure quality care for the transgender. Making sure that there is access to basic resources like food, and access to safe school and work environment is also a solution to satisfy core needs. Reporting of sexual assault and hate crimes perpetrators to the authorities this is to ensure the safety of the transgender. There should be persistence in advocacy for equal rights in all sectors including employment, as well as emotional support for this community. Establishment of local support groups is also a solution that would help this is because they will e offered help and support as well as meet other members of the community that they could identify with and assist in gaining self confidence as well as a safe place to express themselves. Recommendations There should be the incorporation of trans-friendly practices and protocols in health care facilities in order to make it easy and comfortable for patients to seek care, self-identify, and have their health care needs met. Laws and legislations should be made that prevent hate crimes that are motivated by a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation. There should be funding for departments that investigate and prosecute hate crimes against transgendered people. A wealth of support material exists and transgender advocacy groups should work to enlighten and educate the public on the plight if the transgendered people. The government and social groups can use of the Transgender Day of Remembrance to raise awareness about hate crimes towards the transgender community (Heinz 352). There should be data collection on various gender identities in order to influence funding and donor programs for the community. Conclusion This paper has highlighted the plight of the transgender community globally, the discrimination and harassment faced based on their gender identity and expression. Numerous steps and considerations could be taken to ensure equality and equity among all members as provided for by various legislations in both national and international levels. Lack of access to gender medical treatment as well as difficulties faced in the process of acquiring legal gender change on identity documents and recognition can have an indirect bearing on a transgender person’s vulnerability and exposure to hate crime. Lack of access to basic services and employment opportunities leads many transgender people particularly to turn to the option of being sex workers which in turn makes them predominantly vulnerable to being victims of prejudice and violent crime. Most transgender people will feel uncomfortable disclosing their transgender status to others. Therefore, shared knowledge about a transgender persons status is personal information and should e kept confidential because it is up to them to share it at the right time. Works Cited: Bauer, Greta R., et al. "“I dont think this is theoretical; this is our lives”: how erasure impacts `health care for transgender people." Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care 20.5 (2009): 348-361. Corona, Giovanni, Emmanuele A. Jannini, and Mario Maggi. Emotional, Physical and Sexual Abuse: Impact in Children and Social Minorities. , 2014. Print. Duthel, Heinz. Kathoey Ladyboy: Thailands Got Talent. Norderstedt: Books on Demand, 2013. Print Nagoshi, Julie L, Craig T. Nagoshi, and Stephanie Brzuzy. Gender and Sexual Identity: Transcending Feminist and Queer Theory. New York, NY: Imprint: Springer, 2014. Print. Read More