Healthcare for Transgender
Transgender are those people whose gender identity is different from the actual sex categories i.e male & female that is usually assigned to people at the time of birth. Trans-people found everywhere in our society and due to their unique behavioral changes can be easily visible to us. Approximately, 300,000 transgender population is residing in Pakistan. Due to these changes, they have to face many societal issues like discrimination, harassment, violation of their basic rights and stigmatization. Most of the time, they have encountered negative vibes or reactions from others around them. They are not allowed to show their own identification during the period of their studies or employment.
Sometimes, they go through the transition phase where they change their name or gender responsibilities due to which they are going through some serious kind of emotional, hormonal and mental variations which leads them to stress and suicidal thoughts. So, there is a need to understand them at this critical stage of their life and try not to make fun of them. There comes a role of empathy and compassion. They have a right to live, to speak, to be educated, to be healthy and all; who are we to take all of their rights from them?
“Remember this, whoever you are, however you are, you are equally valid, equally justified, and equally beautiful.” — Juno Dawson
Problem Statement: “Our society is not accepting transgender community as normal. Trans-people goes through various physical and mental health issue. They have lack of resources for their treatment. These issues need to be addressed in our society.”
In order to complete my assignment of this week, getting close to my mega project. I researched for different articles regarding Healthcare for transgender, rights of transgender in Pakistan. I also got the opportunity to take interview of some trans-people inquiring about their health issues. Most of them were complaining of not getting accepted. I ensured them that if they need any medical help, I will provide them.
Transgender people have confronted discrimination by doctors or have been denied enlistment in the health care settings because of their gender identity. Medical professionals should use the word “gender” instead of “sex” on the forms that would be an ease to the transgender that they are being accepted there as well. They are blamed for their health status so there may have been verbal or physical abuse from different people. Hospitals tend to have gender-neutral wards or a separate category for them as well. They have to use appropriate transgender-friendly language to communicate and get to know the entire history of their health related problems.
This experience was so satisfying for me. I understand their problems and willing to solve it by organizing medical camps for their community and providing medicines they need. They need our support by giving awareness on this topic. At the end, I only want to say Transgender people are also Humans, Don’t neglect them.