Landmark Trans Health Report Shows Widespread Disparity

Landmark Trans Health Report Shows Widespread Disparity

Counting Ourselves, a national report on transgender health, has just been released.

The survey had 1,178 participants, from all regions of Aotearoa, ranging from 14 to 83 years old.

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The research, funded by the Health Research Council and with support from University of Waikato and Rule Foundation, found that trans people experience discrimination at more than double the rate of the general population, almost half of trans people had someone attempt to have sex with them against their will since age 13, and almost a third reported someone did have sex with them against their will since age 13. Participants reported high or very high levels of psychological distress at a rate nine times that of the general population. In the last 12 months, more than half had seriously considered suicide, and 12% had attempted suicide.

key findings

Medical

In the last 12 months, 13% of participants were asked unnecessary or invasive questions during a health visit

17% reported they had experienced reparative therapy (a professional had tried to stop them from being trans) [note: sometimes called “conversion therapy”]

36% avoided seeing a doctor to avoid being disrespected

Stigma, Discrimination, and Violence

67% had experienced discrimination at some point

44% had experienced discrimination in the last 12 months – this was more than double the rate for the general population (17%)

21% were bullied at school at least once a week, much higher than the general population (5%)

83% did not have the correct gender marker on their New Zealand birth certificate

32% reported someone had had sex with them against their will since they were 13

47% reported someone had attempted to have sex with them against their will since they were 13


Compared to the general population, participants were almost three times more likely to have put up with feeling cold (64%) and gone without fresh fruit or vegetables (51%) in order to reduce costs.

Distress and Suicide

71% reported high or very high psychological distress, compared with only 8% of the general population in Aotearoa New Zealand

56% had seriously thought about attempting suicide in the last 12 months

37% had attempted suicide at some point

12% had made a suicide attempt in the last 12 months

Participants who reported that someone had had sex with them against their will  were twice as likely to have attempted suicide in the past year (18%) than participants who did not report this (9%)

Participants who had experienced discrimination for being trans or non-binary were twice as likely to have attempted suicide in the past year (16%) than participants who did not report this discrimination (8%)

Participants’ rate of cannabis use in the last year (38%) was more than three times higher than the general population (12%)

Protective Factors

57% reported that most or all of their family supported them. Respondents supported by at least half of their family were almost half as likely to attempt suicide (9%).

62% were proud to be trans, 58% provided support to other trans people, and 56% felt connected with trans community.

Full Report

The Counting Ourselves website is here.

Quick download the Executive Summary (PDF)

Quick download Counting Ourselves_Full Report (PDF)

Media

Trans and Non-Binary Health and Wellbeing Report Reveals Severe Inequities

Kiwi Transgender and Non-binary People at Higher Risk of Suicide – Survey

Transgender and Non-binary People Suffer High Levels of Mental Health and Discrimination Issues, Report Finds

New Zealand Finds Nearly a Third of Transgender People Raped But Few Seek Help

How Our Health System Has Severely Failed Trans and Non-binary New Zealanders

Survey Shines a Light on Trans and Non-binary New Zealanders

Parliamentary Rainbow Network Welcomes Groundbreaking Report

Show Your Support With Transgnder Flag Bunting

Show Your Support With Transgnder Flag Bunting

Show your support for trans and intersex people with our beautiful ”We Belong” transgender flag bunting!

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The design includes the transgender flag colours, with yellow stars for intersex. The starts are in the pattern of the Southern Cross constellation, otherwise known as Te Pae Mahutonga. Te pae mahutonga is also a Kaupapa Maori public health framework, based on the constellation, which guides our organisation. You can read about it here. It also carries the transgender symbol, with the words ‘We Belong’.

Graphic design by Ahi Wi-Hongi. Design published by Gender Minorities Aotearoa, Wellington, 2019.

Cross Dressing?

Cross Dressing?

Come along to this Wellington event for people who identify as cross dressers, and others who have gender stuff going on, whether or not you identify as trans.

If you’re coming, and you’d like to help let people in, make sure people feel welcome, or make cups of tea, please send us a message on genderminorities@gmail.com or just show up and help on the day.

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[image: a poster in pink and purple, with turquoise borders. In the middle is a picture of clothing hanging on a rack. There is large text which reads ‘Cross Dressing?’, and 4 blocks of small text.
text: Come to an after hours op shopping and social evening. For cross dressers and trans only. 6.30pm – 8.30pm Saturday 25th November 2017 Aunty Dana’s Op Shop 128 Abel Smith Street Wellington auntydanas.com. No dress code, simply ring the door bell, and we will let you in. The op shop is completely private and no one can see in from the street. Feel free to pop in any day before the event if you want to check it out beforehand (clothing displays are not arranged by gender).
There are changing rooms and mirrors. The person behind the counter will be trans, so no need to feel shy. Cash only. Any money you spend goes back into events like these. Snacks, soft drinks, and cups of tea provided. Alcohol-free venue, so non-alcoholic drinks only please. Brought to you by Gender Minorities Aotearoa genderminorities.com