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The impact of health and economic crises on transgender people
With the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic the world is facing, several studies on the effects of this pandemic to different groups of people have seen the day, however, very little is known about the impact on transgender people.
On the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, celebrated every 17 May, the UNESCO branch of UN-GLOBE organized a webinar on “Vulnerability and Resilience: the impact of health and economic crises on transgender people” in cooperation with Transgender Europe, which took place on Monday, 18 May 2020.
The invited guest, Masen Davis, interim executive director of Transgender Europe and advocate for trans rights since 1988, talked about the invisibility that transgender people face during health and economic crises like COVID-19. According to him, these crises are incredibly concerning to transgender people, which are one of the most impacted groups for many reasons, including financial instabilities and lack of support.
This absence of support from communities and/or families could cause safety and housing issues to transgender people, that can be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, with school closed in more than 150 countries around the world, many LGBTI students were forced to come back to unsupportive homes, risking developing mental health issues, being victims of domestic violence, or even becoming homeless. It is important that learners, including LGBTI youth can find safe spaces, including online, to speak out and feel included.
This pandemic also highlights barriers to health care for transgender community, with cancelled surgeries and hormone shortages are among worries. Masen emphasized the importance of medical services undergoing specialized training on care for transgender people, to ensure an equal and respectful treatment.
Finally, Masen mentioned that persistent discrimination exists in the labour market towards transgender people. Those who work in the informal economy currently see their livelihood most strongly affected.
Around 30 people participated in this webinar, that also served as a platform to elucidate questions on transsexuality and gender identity in general, and how they differ from sexual orientation.
LGBTI people deserve to feel safe and respected wherever they are. UNESCO works with countries and civil society to eliminate gender stereotypes in different spheres of society, which is key to ensure LGBTI people achieve their full potential free of discrimination of any nature.
On the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, celebrated every 17 May, the UNESCO branch of UN-GLOBE organized a webinar on “Vulnerability and Resilience: the impact of health and economic crises on transgender people” in cooperation with Transgender Europe, which took place on Monday, 18 May 2020.
The invited guest, Masen Davis, interim executive director of Transgender Europe and advocate for trans rights since 1988, talked about the invisibility that transgender people face during health and economic crises like COVID-19. According to him, these crises are incredibly concerning to transgender people, which are one of the most impacted groups for many reasons, including financial instabilities and lack of support.
This absence of support from communities and/or families could cause safety and housing issues to transgender people, that can be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, with school closed in more than 150 countries around the world, many LGBTI students were forced to come back to unsupportive homes, risking developing mental health issues, being victims of domestic violence, or even becoming homeless. It is important that learners, including LGBTI youth can find safe spaces, including online, to speak out and feel included.
This pandemic also highlights barriers to health care for transgender community, with cancelled surgeries and hormone shortages are among worries. Masen emphasized the importance of medical services undergoing specialized training on care for transgender people, to ensure an equal and respectful treatment.
Finally, Masen mentioned that persistent discrimination exists in the labour market towards transgender people. Those who work in the informal economy currently see their livelihood most strongly affected.
Around 30 people participated in this webinar, that also served as a platform to elucidate questions on transsexuality and gender identity in general, and how they differ from sexual orientation.
LGBTI people deserve to feel safe and respected wherever they are. UNESCO works with countries and civil society to eliminate gender stereotypes in different spheres of society, which is key to ensure LGBTI people achieve their full potential free of discrimination of any nature.
18 May 2020
Last update:20 April 2023
