The National Gay and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) published the results of the first national study of transgender group on a big range in the United States, underscoring the intensity of discrimination against transsexuals in a wide range of areas, including health care.
The information, “The injustice at every step”, says the startling results from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS), which was derived from responses from more than 6,450 transgender Americans:
Prejudices in health care and poor health is frequent experienced by respondents. 19% reported being left without care because of discrimination against transgender people, with large number among respondents of color. 50% said they educate their healthcare providers concerning caring for transgender people.
Respondents were more than four times the national average of HIV, with rates highest among transgender people of color.
The respondents who were terminated because of Prejudices was reported HIV represent 4.59%, more than 7 times exceeding the general public (0.6%) and more than twice the number of those who didn’t lose their career (2.06%).
Respondents who said they had to stop schooling because of aggravation were HIV positive at a rate of 5.14% (more than 8 times the rate of HIV in the general population, 0.6%) compared to 1.87% of respondents not infected.
There is a positive side, even if the obstacles are frequent, transgender people manage to surpass. Above 78% stated they feel at ease at work and that their performance has enhanced in return, even in the midst of similar level of harassment in the company.
There is still a massive desire for transgender-sensitive health education, health care and prevention campaigns. Data must be sought in terms of health risks, outcome and needs in relation to transgender people. Separate entries should be made for transgender women and transgender men, as HIV rates can be accurately tracked and properly investigated. This report shows we still have a long way to go in terms of equality and discrimination can affect all aspects of life such as HIV-disease and healthcare in general.
