Transgender rights during times of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic is not only a health crisis, it is also an economic, social and a human rights crisis. Standing up for the most vulnerable groups of the society in times of such crisis is a test of our values, our leadership and our commitment to human rights. This includes standing up for transgender and sexual minorities.

While it is true that we are all in this Covid-19 crisis together, transgender and people from other sexual minority communities are facing particular risk and challenges. While many lovingly accept the identity of their transgender sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, in too many cases, transgender people are rejected by their families. Transgender people are more likely to be unemployed and to live in poverty than the general population. Many transgender are homeless or live in precarious housing arrangements. Unlike others, they are less able to protect themselves through physical distancing and safe hygiene practices, increasing their exposure to contagion. Many in the transgender community work in the informal sector and are therefore more likely to lose the income necessary for basic well-being.

Across the world, transgender people are experiencing stigma and discrimination while seeking healthcare services. In times when health services are overwhelmed, such discrimination can substantially increase risk for transgender people needing medical assistance for Covid-19 or for other reasons.

Several countries have put in place restriction of movement based on sex, with women and men allowed to leave their homes on alternate days, which have put non-binary and trans people at risk of heightened discrimination, as they may get stopped and questioned. Due to stay-at-home restrictions, many trans youth are confined in hostile environments with unsupportive or even hostile family members or co-habitants. This can increase their exposure to violence, as well as their anxiety and depression.

In Pakistan 10.402 transgender were registered in the 2017 census, but the real tally could be higher. Pakistan has been particularly progressive regarding the recognition of transgender with the passing of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018. Pakistan is one of the few countries that allow citizens to opt for “X” as gender choice in their identification documents such as CNIC and passport. Pakistan’s online visa form has a third option for visa applicants, which sets an example that could inspire the legislators from other countries.

On the international level, Pakistan has been praised for being represented by a trans woman in a recent human rights review in the UN headquarters in Geneva. And Pakistan has not forgotten transgender during the Covid-19 crisis. The police in Rawalpindi is about to set up a dedicated department to deal with issues that transgender are facing and has recruited a trans woman policy officer. Pakistan has shown positive leadership on an issue that in many countries remains very difficult to address. This is why we, fifteen Ambassadors from countries across the world, are encouraged when writing this article together for the 17^th of May, to mark the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT).

Celebrated in more than 130 countries, the 17^th of May was chosen for IDAHOT to commemorate the WHO’s decision in 1990 to declassify transgender and other gender identities as a mental disorder. The day represents a major global landmark to draw the attention of decision-makers, media, public, corporations, opinion leaders, local authorities to the challenges and discrimination faced by people with diverse gender identities or expressions such as the transgender.

In times of crisis, it is particularly important to remember those groups. We are encouraged to witness Pakistan marking this day by not leaving the transgender behind. We hope that year-by-year, we make progress together towards the full recognition of all gender identities in Pakistan and everywhere in the world.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2020.

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