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

Transgender Health Care Now: Wellington Pride Parade

Transgender Health Care Now: Wellington Pride Parade

March 10th 2018, takataapui, transgender, and intersex people and supporters walked, danced, and rode along in the Wellington International Pride Parade with a clear message: trans health care now!

The float was hosted by Gender Minorities Aotearoa, The Gender Centre, Aunty Dana’s Op Shop, and InsideOUT, with support from NZPC.

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Float participants carried a large banner, waved transgender flags, and held placards painted in trans flag colours with slogans such as ”stop non-consensual surgeries on intersex babies”, ”protect trans youths”, ”non-binary not confused”, and ”trans intersex taonga”. One placard posed the question ”40 year wait list?”, another read ”access to health care saves lives”,  ”transgender lesbians need HRT too”, ”support sisters, not only cis-ters”.

Behind those walking, Bicycle Junction cycled along playing an upbeat pop play-list compiled by one of the volunteers at Aunty Dana’s Op Shop. Following the music, Aunty Dana’s van ”Pash” carried participants with mobility access needs. A mannequin reclined in a chair on the roof, draped in a huge transgender flag which spread over the sides and back of the van. She wore a trans flag coloured headband and carried a sign that read ”health care for all”.

”Indigenous genders are real” read the final sign in the transgender health care float – strapped to the back of the van.

“The float was FABULOUS and beautiful and fierce and fun! Super amazing. It was such a great combined effort from everyone. From the playlist, to the bike guy, to the van driving, to the snacks! And the face paints! And placard painting! and the folks who coordinated the banner carry! and the waving of that flag in those heels!”

says Gender Minorities Aotearoa’s National Coordinator Ahi Wi-Hongi.

Audio interviews with Pride participants at PrideNZ.com here.

”A huge thank you to Amanduh and the WIPP organisers for all your hard work, to our pals at InsideOUT who we love working with, to NZPC who are strong advocates for trans health, to Jaye, Kerry, Sam, Jess, Ada, Lola, Dan, Dylan, Ella, and everyone who got involved and helped to make this happen. To the beautiful people of all genders who joined the float, and to the folks out there who came to watch and support.

”Nga mihinui ki a koutou katoa, we look forward to appropriate health care in the near future.

Gender Minorities Aotearoa is opening The Gender Centre in Wellington, Transgender Day of Visibility March 31st.

InsideOUT is holding Shift Hui n Wellington, April 20 – 23.

Follow Gender Minorities Aotearoa, The Gender Centre, and InsideOUT on Facebook

Photo Gallery:

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Photo credit: Fraser Crichton

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Photo credit: Aimee Eastwood 

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Photo credit: Ahi Wi-Hongi

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Photo credit: Greg Potts

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Photo credit: various