On the occasion of Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, RFSL Stockholm wants to highlight some of our activities for transgender people and one of our fantastic employees who work to strengthen and make transgender people visible in the Stockholm region. Therefore, here is an interview with Ines who is involved in running our TRANSIT activities:
Tell us a bit about TRANSIT - what is it and what is your role there?
TRANSIT is a project run by RFSL Stockholm and is aimed at young people (15-25 years) who have concerns about their gender identity and/or are in trans care in the Stockholm region and the aim is to create community and strengthen young people where they are in their process. TRANSIT consists of a support group led by trans-competent counselors and a discussion group led by community members. In this way, we balance professional and peer-to-peer support to our participants. My role in TRANSIT includes communication with the participants, logistical and administrative assistance to facilitate the meetings.
What do you consider to be the most pressing political or social issues facing transgender people in Stockholm today?
a) Transgender people wait up to two years for their first appointment with the trans healthcare system in Stockholm and can wait up to three years for gender confirmation surgery. For these reasons, trans people often isolate themselves from the public, do not feel comfortable being part of everyday activities, working or studying because they are simply not comfortable with the bodies they live in and how society perceives them.
b) Trans people who are completely dehumanized by being denied trans care while they are in an asylum process in Sweden that can take many years.
c) Public debates on bills that literally relate to trans lives and existence, but are conducted by cis people - this is absolute nonsense that can be likened to an event in a parallel universe where trans women discuss and decide on cis women's right to abortion.
Do you have any suggestions on how to mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance?
Depending on whether you are a transgender person or an ally. If you are a transgender person, depends on what kind of feeling Transgender Day of Remembrance rises in you. If when you see/read how many transgender people have been murdered this year makes you go to dark places, turn off social media for that day. If reading how many trans people have been murdered makes you angry, that's fine - think about how you as a unique individual can help break the cycle of violence and be there for your community! If you are an ally, pay attention in a way where you promise yourself to never reduce non-cis people to one identity - the trans community is diverse, has different experiences and deserves respect for all their contributions regardless of the fact that they do not have the same starting point as you. Many allies still do not recognize that basic starting point.
