Transgender News – news.lgbti.org

Older Transgender Adults Face Unique Challenges

Current older transgender adults came of age during a time when they would have been even more pathologized and stigmatized than today. So, many did not even come out, instead keeping their identities hidden for decades and many are now coming out and transitioning later in life. While the older transgender population shares some of same obstacles frequent in the broader older LGBTI+ population, there are some differences. Since the older growing transgender population exists, there is a critical need to know the challenges that pose threats to their overall health and well-being.

Our current Aging Services Network is not equipped to provide decent and non-discriminatory services to older adults who are transgender, even though it provides a variety of services for older adults in general such as legal help, educational activities, meals and transportation. Older transgender adults have unique needs, and there are not many providers who offer outreach and training specifically to help the transgender population. As a result, many older transgender adults are not getting needed support, and they’re often hesitant to seek services at all.

Barriers due to a lack of clinical and cultural competence regarding transgender people and their health needs, and discrimination and bias, prevent quality care. This, along with financial barriers, means that many older transgender adults delay or avoid seeking medical care. This specific care is frequently excluded from private and public insurance plans. Declining health is a result of the inability to access important and needed care. Preventative and other medical care older transgender adults need is often denied due to the their exclusion from plans.

Transgender people report higher rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal ideation, disability and general poor health. As a consequence, many elderly transgender people have severe health concerns as they enter their later years without community and social support that is desperately needed.

Other barriers older transgender people face are in the areas of employment and housing discrimination, violence, privacy, and social support.

Supporting a Partner going through Gender Transition

Gender transition can be equally as stressful on relationships as it can before the individual. Recognizing and caring for the difficulty of this process can help maintain a strong relationship with a partner.

Immediately, understand they are going to feel a lot of stress. They may be questioning their decision, which can bring up issues from the past and other complex identity questions. It’s important for anyone whose partner is going through gender transition to be supportive and to show their support in a way that will help the partner feel soothed and loved.

Before your partner starts hormone replacement therapy, if you so have the option, research what side effects they may encounter. There are some myths even in the transgender community of how taking hormones will affect a person. For instance, some believe that taking testosterone will make one become aggressive or more libidinous. But in fact, they will mostly be the same person. Read up on reliable, medical websites, go to the doctor with your partner, do some deep research in the library and get all the facts. Make sure you know what’s true, and what is just a myth, because misunderstandings can cause communication problems. This is a time when you want to be supportive of your partner, not arguing with them.

Some worry that they won’t be accepted by friends, or the community, or won’t be able to related to self-representations in media because no community, characters or personalities will fit. Instead, make sure that your partner has the opportunity and support to reach out to the people that are closest to them. Invite them over. Have a party. Show support and love. Let them see and feel that it’s not the community they identify with but the people who are closest to them that will really matter, and who will really support them.

Be okay with your partner’s new identity. The transition is not instantaneous or full. But come to be okay with how they will be, intend to be, knowing the essential core components of who they are will always be there. Practice referring to your lover in the pronoun they prefer, and have them say it for themselves as well. Understand their family situation and be sympathetic. Be available to help them with any caregiving they need, including their injections.

If you really love your partner, embrace this phase of their life. Be sure to find out who your supportive people are and take of yourself as well.

10 Things Transgender Men Would Like You To Know

Transgender persons exist in a subculture within a subculture, one that, in the mainstream, is not always well-accepted or even simply understood. To be a trans ally, to be considerate of the lives and social experience of trans individuals, might require that you reevaluate your relationship with the transgender individuals in your life. Trans men, specifically, have a distinct experience from trans women — here is what you should know:

You’re guilty by association.
You’ll have more questions asked about them than they will. This is because people who are curious and confused will often feel more free to ask someone for information when they feel that the person shares a similar experience. You should talk to your trans friend about what they’re comfortable with you sharing in these situations. If the case is that they prefer not to be outed, tell them simply that it’s not your place to answer those questions. If they’re open about their transition, try to find out how to answer or divert these questions.

“But you’ll always be _____ to me” is hurtful.
It’s one thing seeing a relative you haven’t since they were a small child, saying they’ll always be so-and-so to you, but different when relating with a transgender person. Telling your friend that you still see them as someone other than who they are is hurtful.

Outing someone can be incredibly dangerous.
There is an overwhelming amount of ignorance/hatred toward trans people, despite some media and support. Hundreds of transgender people are murdered yearly; there are no and/or failed protection laws in place. Even if you think talking about your transgender friend in public is OK, the wrong person could overhear this and tell another friend, and that friend tells another–this could lead to some serious danger.

The dysphoria is not your fault.
You might feel like you’re responsible for their happiness, but sometimes their sadness comes from a place you’ll never be able to reach. Trying to make your friend feel better by telling them you love their breasts, or you like them just the way they are, isn’t necessarily supportive. It means you’ve created an image of who they are that doesn’t match up with reality.

It’s not the “T”.
It’s a huge moment in life to begin hormone replacement therapy. Your friend might lash out afterwards and blame it on the testosterone. They’re aware of the emotional changes that happen and realize their mood swings/imbalance are theirs to control.

Don’t walk on eggshells.
It’s easy to get hung up on words and just avoid conversations as a result. You’re there for your friend and it shows that you care. Many transgender people lose or don’t have a support system when they come out…the fact that you’re with them is meaningful.

Don’t date them despite their trans status.
Make sure you are interested in dating them for who they are, not despite their transgender status. You’re not doing them any favors by being interested in them ‘even though’ they’re transgender.

Don’t talk behind their back.
Talk to them about it; learn their

Pronouns are mean a lot.
They have likely chosen a new name and have preferred gender pronouns. Learn them. Sure, you might mess up in the beginning, but it’ll be obvious when you genuinely care and are trying!

Being A Better Trans Ally: Gender Pronouns

Many of us are so used to having conversations that involve a limited amount of pronouns that we take for granted (he/she, his/her, they/theirs) because (when speaking English) we must assign a gender when we’re speaking about one person. We need to understand that others, particularly trans people, ask to be referred to by different pronouns than we might assume we should use.

Singular pronouns such as “ze” and “hir” are the more common new ones for those not wishing to use “he” or “she”. Changing pronouns can be a significant part of coming out as trans. This can sometimes cause a lot of emotional pain when they’re met with negative responses, even violence. Here are some major reasons why it is incredibly important to use the correct gender pronouns as a trans ally:

We’re helping shape our culture with language

Language is very powerful and we often take the words we use for granted, passing them off as insignificant, gender pronouns included. Language spreads more quickly than ever now due to Internet and social media sites. We are validating and making visible those who wish to be described and identified in a way that doesn’t fit into a strict gender binary. Using the correct gender pronouns, even when we’re not with our loved one, is important and respectful.

We’re showing respect to their reality

Trans people are often told what’s best for them by doctors, politicians, schools, and anyone else who wants to deny their reality with a gender pronoun or name that invalidates who they really are. It’s not up to us to decide who they are, but to show them the same respect we would want in life.

We’re holding the media responsible

The media frequently ignores the requests of trans people who state their gender pronoun preference. Many allies and activists have prompted change in news organizations, leading them to change their protocol on gender pronouns. It’s important to keep using our voices.

We’re fighting transphobia and sexism

In our culture, it’s seen as bad or wrong to not fit within the male/female binary, acting outside of the gender of which our culture assigns us. It’s not up to others to assign anything to us — and we need to realize that if we’re not transgender, and bring clarity to the obvious lack of understanding surrounding these cultural differences. If you support gender equality, you’re playing a big part in walking the talk by being a trans ally.

We’re educating the community

It’s normal for some folks, activists included, to be confused by different pronouns. It’s important to learn them and then be patient as we’re educating others. As allies, if we consistently use terms that are a true reflection of a person’s gender, we’re not only educating by example, we’re encouraging use of the proper terms by others in the community. If it seems like a lot of work, just remember, it’s completely necessary and worth our attention.

Sexuality a Difficult thing for Trans People

Though most people take sex and sexuality for granted, it can be a difficult anxiety-ridden experience for trans people. First, the ignorance of the medical community has made trans people wary of how they are perceived. There are things that need to be said, red tape and bureaucratic hoops that one has to jump through to get access to hormone therapy. That is something many trans people believe helps them physically be who they feel they are inside.

Today, the trans community looks out for one another and tells the younger members what to do to survive. For trans women, one of the major issues with hormone therapy is that it often blocks patients sex drive. However, they also feel judged emotionally for wanting sex in the first place, as our society still isn’t comfortable with the female libido or female sexual expression. Sometimes these issues or the journey one has made can be things that can come between a trans person and their lover. Instead of concentrating on the other person, the ghosts of these conversations and experiences can haunt a person.

The next problem is their genitalia. Trans people wonder whether or not their partners will be understanding, interested, has a fetish or will be disgusted by how they look. These complications can cause anxiety. Also, if the person likes something but women aren’t supposed to like that thing, more confusion can be brought into the mix, which doesn’t really help matters.

When trans people are interested in someone, they have to talk to them know about their situation, which can become embarrassing. It can raise a red flag; suddenly a hook up isn’t so simple anymore. The person may wonder if the other is squeamish about seeing them naked. Though many people have felt this way, it’s a different matter when your sex organs don’t match your gender preference.

If you are going to be with a trans person, don’t automatically assume that you should talk about everything, establish some rapport first. Open the lines of communication, feel things out, and make them comfortable. Find out what they do and don’t like, tell them your preferences. It’s like being with any other lover. Just try to let them know that their situation is more than okay with you.

Getting Hold of Transsexual Hormone Replacement Therapy

Transsexual hormone replacement therapy helps those who feel they were born in the wrong body transition to what they feel is their proper sex. Many transgender feel discrimination for not having an easily distinguished gender. Hormone therapy helps them easily blend in and not become a target for discrimination.

Those who live near a metropolitan area should be able to gain access to hormone replacement therapy rather easily. First, make sure you are mentally prepared to take the theerapy. If you are severely dysphoric, you may need to seek the help of a certified mental health professional; preferably one that you trust and has experience assisting with someone in your situation. If you are on a constrained budget, try looking into LGBTI advocacy groups in your area that may be able to offer help. Also consider universities in your vicinity, as many offer psychological services on a sliding scale.

Doubting one’s transsexuality may cause psychological issues when hormone therapy begins to change your body. Always consult a physician about hormone therapy before you begin but throughout the process. You need to be carefully monitored to make sure no abnormalities occur. Think of all the questions you have, do thorough research and be sure to ask your doctor. Remember to advocate for your health when you don’t think you are being heard or your questions are not being answered.

Avoid healthcare providers that go by the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care guidelines drafted by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), or what was originally known as the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA). Therapist intervention levels are high with these guidelines and without meeting these standards, they may block your access to hormone therapy. There are many doctors out there who require these Standards of Care before even approaching your case.

There is another set of guidelines that will give you easier access to hormone therapy with little to no therapist’s intervention. Instead look for doctors and clinics who stick to the Tom Waddell Standards; like a physician in the free clinics in San Francisco. Dr. Tom Waddel personally penned these standards from his own experiences with the transgendered. While you may have to attend group meetings, the standards he implements are very straight forward.

It can be difficult finding a particular clinic’s standards. The best advice is to ask others in the transgender community. Find out which doctor or doctors they used and who they recommend. You can also check the internet for clinics in your area that provide hormone therapy. Just remember to get official help, as too little or too many hormones in the body can cause many serious health problems.

First Transgender Islamic School in Pakistan

A madrasah “islamic school” for trans people was opened for the first time in Pakistan.

Rani Khan, who taught the Koran in the first madrasah for transgender people in a country where the ‘third gender’ was officially recognized and the Transgender People (Protection of Rights) Act passed parliament in 2018, said, “Most families do not accept transsexuals. They throw them out of their homes. “I was one of them, too,” said.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat said that the madrasa can help trans people to participate actively in society and said, “I hope things will be better if this model is implemented in other cities.”

In Pakistan, where trans rights are legally protected, LGBTI+ individuals are still discriminated against. In the census conducted in 2017, it was recorded that approximately 10 thousand trans people lived in Pakistan. Trans rights groups stated that in the country with a population of 220 million, this number may now be over 300 thousand.

Previously, a madrasah for trans people was opened in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh.

Trans Woman Killed in Izmir

It was learned that a trans woman, whose body was found wrapped in a blanket, was killed by hitting the head with a hard object in the Bornova district of Izmir.

When the bad odors started coming from the apartment of the trans woman using the name “Miraş Güneş”, who had not been heard from her for a while and who was filed for disappearance by his relatives, the residents of the building reported the situation to their relatives.

While it was learned that Yüksel was killed by shooting his head with a hard object, crime scene investigation teams made examinations inside the house.

It was determined that Yüksel lost his life after the checks carried out by the healthcare teams upon the notification.

After the prosecutor’s investigations, Yüksel’s lifeless body was taken to the morgue of the Izmir Forensic Medicine Institute for autopsy.

Izmir/Turkey

Acid Attack Against Syrian Trans Woman in Istanbul

In Beyoğlu, Istanbul, a man attacked to a Syrian trans woman with acid.

It was learned that the woman who was taken to the hospital had vision loss in one eye.

Injured trans woman was taken to the “Okmeydanı Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu” city hospital.

The person who attacked the woman and claimed to be the man she left a while ago has not been caught yet.

On the other hand, a trans woman visited the attacked trans woman in the hospital and posted a video from her Instagram account.

According to the news in DHA, she stated that the trans woman was 17 years old and that the attack took place in front of the woman’s door.

She said, “There was a loss of vision in one eye, it was said that there was no hospital for burn treatment, and a doctor from the general surgery department refused to give me information.”

Understanding Transgenderism

The prefix ‘trans’ comes from the Latin word for across, so ‘transgender’ literally means “across gender” (Huffington Post). This is an umbrella term with people of various types attached. Since gender is such an important part of identity in most cultures, it’s difficult for a transgender person to “come out” to someone. It takes a lot of trust and courage. If someone comes out to you, show them the utmost sympathy, ask them questions and find out more. If they begin to feel uncomfortable about your questions, give them some slack. Also, be there for them and let them know that you recognize how difficult it was for them to come out.

We have a dichotomous society when it comes to gender, which divides into whats called, “the gender binary”. We decide restrooms to use on our gender, what clothes to wear and how to act. Though this is simple and accepted by most people, this makes life very difficult to navigate for the transgender community.

“Gender identity” or “gender expression” is another complicated matter for transgender individuals. Though we often think we can tell, clothing is not always an accurate indicator of gender. What’s underneath may be far different then what is believed.

The moment of self-realization can take many forms for a transgendered person. Often times it takes them a while to figure out which sex they self-identify with. Many people are led to act a certain way by their parents, or they do what they think they need to do to fit in, but everyone’s situation is different. A person may be in denial for years or know all along that they felt more like one gender than the other. Many in this community continue to deny signs of what they feel is their proper gender. Surgery usually needed to become one distinct gender, but still some don’t need it. This “gender assignment” surgery helps people become on the outside, what they feel they are on the inside.

Dr. M. Mirza, LGBT Health Wellness – 2014