Transgender is a superordinate term that describes a person whose gender expression, identity, or behavior do not comply with their ascribed sex. Gender identity defines awareness of being a man, woman, both, or belonging anywhere in the realm of the gender spectrum. Gender expression defines how people communicate their gender identity, preferably through appearance, behavior, dressing, among other body characteristics. The global perception of transgender in academia, science, and popular culture is drastically changing due to growing awareness, knowledge, and openness about transgender individuals (Schudson & van Anders, 2021). Consequently, transgender people have faced social atrocities, including prejudices affecting their mental health and personality.
Transgender remains a stereotyped sexual identity, and these individuals face prejudice from critics, religious leaders, and the vast majority of society. Some transgender individuals internalize these negative attitudes resulting in severe symptoms such as self–dramatization and a reduced sense of self-realization and belonging (‘‘Human rights campaign,’’ 2021). Some religions and countries are hostile to transgender due to the harsh laws enacted to govern sexuality among their citizens. Most Muslim individuals with similar sex face tension between their religious and sexual identities “I just try to make it home safe,” 2021). However, there are few concerns on how these individuals thrive amidst socio-religious persecution, including death. Depression is prevalent among transgender as internalized heterosexism poses a threat, especially to sexual minority women (‘‘Human rights campaign,’’ 2021). Additionally, transgender youths often demonstrate a high risk of suicide and mental health problem, although little is known on how to protect them from such risk factors. Adolescents in this category often have paltry social support and affiliation, and as a result, these buffers against the effects of marginalization among them.
The government has played a significant role in inciting discrimination against the trans. Many trans people face difficulties accessing government-issued gender identification. They encounter increasingly physical violence and sexual harassment (“I just try to make it home safe,” 2021). The systematic discrimination against the transgender is a result of transphobia and illogical dislike of transgender people in addition to cisnormativity (Outten & Lawrence, 2020). Cisnormativity refers to the assumption that almost all individuals are cisgender and repudiates the transgender in the culture. Race and gender presentation have significantly contributed to discrimination against trans people. For instance, the National coalition of anti-violence reported that cases of deaths of trans women of color have drastically increased. Transwomen of color are discriminated against based on their position as women, race, and transgender. These women live within intersections of racism or phobia and psychological distress.
Discriminations against transvestites have been detailed as pervasive in the government and society, including healthcare, education, employment, and housing systems. Transgender and non-binary(T.N.B.) often face mental health challenges following increased stigma and discrimination. The mental health challenges include anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, which occur due to lack of parental support, bullying, and other high levels of social rejection (Drabish & Theeke, 2021). In partnership with other non-government organizations, the government has developed multidisciplinary care centers to address the challenges and health care needs of the transvestites, including access to gender affirmation medical care, including gender-affirming hormones.
These centers enable the trans to address barriers to care, including travel times and lack of medical coverage. Gender-affirmation care is concerned with the long-term impacts on transgender and non-binary youths. Treatments such as GoHs, P.B.s, and gender affirmation surgeries can reduce depression, anxiety, and other inauspicious mental challenges (Drabish & Theeke, 2021). Access to these centers reduces suicidal thoughts and attempts among a grown-up person who initially had access to puberty blockers during adolescence. Appropriate diagnosis of P.B.s and GoHs can improve psychological functioning and the general body. Gender affirmation care can evaluate short-term mental health challenges by validating clinical support staff and gender identity.
On October 14, 2021, the Supreme Court declared that civil rights Acts that shield transgender employees against bigotry at the workplace had granted lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender an unexpected victory. The court stated that the civil rights Act of 1964 forbids sex discrimination to all sought of prejudices hinged on gender identity (‘‘Human rights campaign,’’ 2021). Justice Neil M. Gorsuch wrote for the preponderance stating that any employer who fires an employee because of being gay or transgender has defied the law and should be punished. L.G.B.T. community faces discrimination daily from culture warfare to the use of normal utilities, including bathrooms, sports, and locker rooms. Most religions object to same-sex marriage, arguing that it is immoral and against the laws of humanity. These beliefs and acts of discrimination steamed the widespread campaigns and protests against violent behaviors towards transgender people.
Before the Supreme Court’s decision on that Monday, it was legal to fire employees for being bisexual, gay, or transgender in close to half of the states. The stretched across workplaces, thus protecting millions of workers across the country. Earlier, same-sex marriage was prohibited before the Supreme court passed the ruling in 2015; however, workplace discrimination was still lawful. Often, employees entangled with same-sex partners in the morning were fired that evening for being gay. Those who channeled L.G.B. T rights were thrilled by the decision they termed long-overdue freedom. The former president, Donald Trump’s administration, had prompted the court to rule against L.G.B.T. and barred transgender individuals from serving in the army. On October 11, 2021, the Health and Human Services Department ratified a regulation that overruled the measures that protected trans patients against discrimination by hospitals, doctors, and health insurance organizations.
References
Drabish, K., & Theeke, L. A. (2021). Health impact of stigma, discrimination, prejudice, and bias experienced by transgender people: a systematic review of quantitative studies. Issues in mental health nursing, 1-8.
Human rights campaign. Fatal violence against the transgender and gender non-conforming community in 2021. Web.
I just try to make it home safe. (2021). Human rights watch. Web.
Outten, H. R., & Lawrence, M. E. (2020). Intergroup threat and heterosexual cisgender women’s support for policies regarding the admittance of trans women at a women’s college. Social Sciences, 9(11), 208.
Schudson, Z. C., & van Anders, S. M. (2021). Gender/sex diversity beliefs: Scale construction, validation, and links to prejudice. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations.