“What else do you want?”—
The challenges trans people face right now

We’re all too familiar with these kinds of questions about human rights. They come up often, especially when queer people speak out about discrimination or fight for their rights. And although we know that such questions are usually not asked out of goodwill, we will still answer why trans people are still demanding equality and what they truly lack.

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Despite significant progress, trans people still face a great deal of discrimination and obstacles on the path to living comfortably in society with their identity.

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So what exactly are trans people in Ukraine missing?

Legal protection

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Ukrainian legislation has already made some progress in recognizing the existence of trans people and the need for transition. In particular, in 2016, the protocol for gender transition was somewhat simplified, and trans activists were directly involved in its creation. However, the state of affairs in legislation is still far from ideal.

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First, Ukraine has not yet implemented ICD-11, the eleventh revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, in which transgenderism was removed from the list of mental disorders. This is important to reduce the stigmatization of trans people and to officially recognize them as full-fledged individuals. Once ICD-11 is implemented, a new protocol for gender transition will need to be developed, which will likely be more humane and flexible for the diverse members of the trans community.

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Second, Ukraine has not yet adopted Bill No. 13597, which aims to strengthen liability for hate crimes. In particular, the list of motives will include intolerance toward sexual orientation and gender identity. Passing this bill is crucial for protecting trans people under the law and for the state to recognize that hatred toward members of the community is unacceptable. So, once you’ve finished reading this, please share a reminder about Bill No. 13597 on your social media or write a letter to a member of parliament*.

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Additionally, Ukraine currently does not recognize non-binary gender, so there is currently no option to change one’s gender marker or be recognized as a non-binary person.

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*How to write a letter to a lawmaker: step-by-step instructions. Obranitsi. — https://obrantsi.ua/articles/iak-napisati-zvernennia-do-deputata-pokrokova-instrukciia 

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The Fight Against Transphobia

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Transphobia is present at many levels: not only in legislation, but also in everyday life, domestic settings, interpersonal relationships, and public and media spaces. It manifests itself through overt violence, insults, and attacks, as well as through prejudices that marginalize trans people. Transphobia stigmatizes members of the community, denies their identities, and singles them out as inferior, unworthy of respect, and deserving of unequal treatment.

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Transphobia can manifest in the following ways:

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• spreading stereotypes about trans people, manipulating facts, and perpetuating prejudices that these people supposedly have malicious intentions or are in any way “bad.”

• ignoring trans people and their very existence, deliberately avoiding and denying their presence (for example, in the country, at the workplace, or in public services)

• refusal to acknowledge a specific person’s transgender identity, regular and deliberate deadnaming (calling them by a name they no longer use), and misgendering (using incorrect pronouns)

• avoidance and all forms of negative and prejudiced attitudes toward a person due to their trans identity

• insults, the use of slurs, and hate speech

• physical and sexual violence, so-called conversion therapy

 

Due to transphobia, people may face marginalization in society, lose their jobs or housing, or be denied proper medical care. We are currently witnessing a global trend toward transphobia, an intensification of hate speech, and its exploitation by far-right political forces for their own gain. Significant resources are being directed toward spreading stereotypes about trans people, portraying them as a threat, and sowing fear of them in society. Eradicating systemic transphobia is difficult, as passing a law or running a single campaign is not enough. It requires significant resources directed at all areas of life, and most importantly, time for changes in public consciousness.

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Accessible Transition

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Transgender people who require medical transition may face systemic transphobia in healthcare facilities and a general lack of preparation among professionals to work with them. Not all doctors are sufficiently knowledgeable about transgender issues or free from bias, and some may even display intolerance and refuse to provide necessary services. Because of this, trans people may avoid medical facilities and staff altogether.

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Difficulties may also arise with medications, particularly hormones. It can be difficult for trans people to obtain a prescription and ensure adequate support from doctors regarding their use. Some purchase medications themselves and determine dosages on their own or with advice from other trans people. Access to hormones has become more difficult during the war due to disruptions in the supply of medications, especially in frontline areas.

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Access to Document Changes

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As with other aspects of the transition, Ukraine has made some progress in making it easier for trans people to change their documents: the process is now simpler than it was a few years ago. However, a full change of name and gender marker on official documents still requires certificates from a psychiatrist and an endocrinologist. At the same time, trans people are still not protected from systemic transphobia they may encounter at the Civil Registry Office: negative comments, delays in procedures, attempts to persuade them otherwise, and so on. Because of this, trans people must thoroughly study the nuances of the law and convince civil servants to go through a simple process to which they are entitled.

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Support for Military Personnel

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Transgender people are participating in the defense of Ukraine alongside other military personnel, even though this entails new challenges and potential obstacles. As in other settings, transgender people may face discrimination and a lack of understanding of their identity from others.

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The topic of transgender service members remains underrepresented in the public sphere; they largely remain invisible, and their presence among the defenders is often overlooked. Little is said about their needs while on duty.

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How can you be an ally to transgender people?

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• Respect others’ identities. Ask the person about their pronouns and use them, and address them by the name they use. Don’t ask about their “real” name or past unless the person chooses to share it. If you’re unsure how to address or interact with someone, just ask politely.

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• Avoid commenting on how well a person’s gender expression matches their identity. Even if you feel like saying that a trans woman really looks like a “real” woman, it’s best to refrain from doing so and consider whether you would say the same thing to a cisgender woman.

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• Distinguish between gender identity and sexual orientation. Trans people have different orientations and may also be gay, bisexual, or pansexual.

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• Respect others’ privacy. Do not share details about someone’s identity or transition, and do not out them.

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• Accept changes in others. Be understanding if someone is figuring out who they are, or if they’ve decided to use different pronouns or a different name. Don’t judge if a person’s identity continues to evolve even after transitioning.

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• Don’t ask insensitive questions about someone’s genitals or sex life unless they choose to share that information themselves.

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• Avoid slurs and transphobic language, call others out on it, and foster an inclusive environment wherever you can.

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• Support the fight for trans people’s rights. Sign petitions, advocate for Bill No. 5488, join marches, and share evidence-based educational information.