FACT SHEET SERVICE PROVIDERS
Remember that: → “People have different gender identities and expressions. Each person should have the right to define their own identity and be treated accordingly.” (TGEU, TOOLKIT) → “The human rights situation of trans sex workers calls for urgent action” (TGEU, Sex Work Policy) → Stigma leads to human rights violations which in turn have effects both on the whole community and on individual behaviors. → International Organisations like the WHO, the Global Commission on HIV and the Law, Amnesty International call “(…) for the decriminalization of all aspects of adult consensual sex work due to the foreseeable barriers that criminalization creates to the realization of the human rights of sex workers.” (AI Policy on Sex Work 2016) → Trafficking and exploitation are not identical to sex work. They are different phenomena and not to be confused or conflated with. → Being trans is not a medical diagnosis, but a characteristic of a persons’ gender identity. → During the 72nd World Health Assembly (WHA), which took place from 20 – 28 May 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially removed the Chapter on Mental and Behavioral Disorders from the International Classification of Diseases – 11th Revision (ICD-11). This landmark step officially states that trans identities are formally de-psycho-pathologized in the ICD-11.
Fact Box: → 88 % of murdered trans people in Europe are sex workers (TGEU 2017) → 43% of murdered trans people in Europe are migrant sex workers (TGEU 2017) → 33% report having at least one negative experience with doctors or medical personnel (Transgender Survey 2015) → Within the European Union, only 7 states have introduced anti-discrimination law, which protects against discrimination on grounds of gender expression. (TGEU 2019) → 86% of TSW in the USA have reported about being harassed, attacked, sexually assaulted, or mistreated in some other way by the police. (TGEU 2017)
This publication was funded by the European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (2014-2020). The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of TransR and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Commission.
Do’s:
Don’ts:
Try to use the language that trans use for themselves. They know best the language that is right for them. Be careful which words you use. Especially, respect and use the terms the individual TSW uses to refer to their genitals.
Avoid compliments or comments, which are based on gendered stereotypes or refer to their gender identity (e.g. “You look like a real woman!”) Don’t call somebody with their name on the ID card without asking. In case, you are not sure, simply use the last name. Don’t ask a trans sex worker intimate personal questions (e.g.: about their surgical or genital status), if not necessary.
Consider which questions you ask.
Don’t pathologize trans identities and bodies.
Be respectful. Even if you don’t know a lot about gender identity, everyone deserves respect.
Rethink gender on forms and documents. Do you need to include Don’t make any assumptions about gender identity, sexual behavgender at all? If yes, consider using a blank space for people to fill ior, or sexual orientation. Ask for more information if you need it. in rather than boxes. Don’t use their original or given name (“deadname”). IntentionAsk which gender pronoun they prefer and whether they want this ally using a trans person’s deadname is an act of aggression and to be reflected in their written records. humiliation. Don’t perpetuate the stigma over trans sex workers based on Respect the principles of confidentiality and privacy. moralistic assumptions Ensure that services for trans sex workers are not denied, deDon’t reduce TSW for their genital status or use discriminatory or layed, or referred elsewhere unnecessarily. pathologizing terminology as MtF (Male to Female) and others In case you make a mistake, it is good practice to acknowledge Don’t push for screenings or health appointments. Don’t assume, the mistake, apologize and ask what you should say instead. that TSW only needs are related to health care. Place signage or information materials in the waiting room, indiDon’t put barriers for the use of the restroom according to the gencating that all genders are welcome. der someone identifies with. Assess with TSW the need to have a safe space where they can meet and discuss their needs. Support publicly the decriminalization of sex work inclusively in written public statements. If possible, consider the provision of multi-language material and personnel. Make sure that your resources (informative materials, etc.) are trans inclusive Consider the inclusion of peers in your services. Respect the autonomy of trans sex workers.
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For further information, please contact the main coordinator: APDES | Agência Piaget para o Desenvolvimento Arcozelo, Vila Nova de Gaia - Portugal T. +351·227·531·106/7 | M. +351·939·406·020