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Trans Men Face Medical Bias in Tamil Nadu
2 Jan
Summary
- Trans men report judgment and denial of care in Tamil Nadu.
- Limited research hinders understanding of trans men's health needs.
- Unsupervised hormonal therapy poses significant health risks.
Transgender men in Tamil Nadu encounter substantial obstacles in accessing healthcare, even within a state known for its progressive transgender welfare policies. Despite the presence of 12 transgender clinics offering free gender-affirming surgeries, individuals like Manohar reported facing judgement and refusal of treatment due to their gender identity.
Activists and experts highlight that the healthcare system struggles with limited research and a poor understanding of trans men's and gender-diverse individuals' identities. This leads to a one-size-fits-all approach, with primary care often relying on gynaecologists trained in a binary view of gender, resulting in hostility for transmasculine patients.
The article also points to issues with unsupervised hormonal therapy, where inadequate information and self-medication create risks. While efforts are being made to improve training and protocols, such as adopting WPATH standards, community-based cadres and ongoing sensitisation are crucial for ensuring dignified and affirmative care for all transgender individuals.
