Social and Medical Transgender Case Advocacy

Abstract

While some clients are confident self-advocates, many transgender individuals and loved ones find it difficult to advocate for themselves and turn to a trusted clinician for assistance. This article discusses the role of the health and social service clinician in transgender case advocacy. Although the setting, circumstances, and client needs vary greatly, the overarching goal of clinical advocacy is to address the societal barriers that interfere with clients' functionality and well-being. We suggest a protocol for advocacy assessment in the clinical setting and discuss trans-specific advocacy concerns relating to financial assistance, employment, changing identification, general advocacy, and outline concerns of specific populations within the transgender community.

Whole-incarceration-setting approaches to supporting and upholding the rights and health of incarcerated transgender people

“…A 2015 study of 27,715 transgender people in the US found that among the 554 transgender people who had been incarcerated in the past year, 43% reported they had been physically assaulted and 17% had been sexually assaulted by another incarcerated persona sexual assault rate that is nine to ten times higher than that of the general US incarcerated population (James et al, 2016). Transgender women incarcerated in male settings are particularly vulnerable with those in the US, Australia, and the UK reporting that their transgender identity greatly increases their risk of being raped and coerced into sexual activities by other incarcerated people -experiences which correctional staff (correctional officers, healthcare providers, and administrators) frequently fail to report or prevent (Br€ omdal et al, 2019a(Br€ omdal et al, , 2019bDolovich, 2011;Gorden et al, 2017;Grant et al, 2011;Hagner, 2010;Holman & Goldberg, 2006;James et al, 2016;Jenness & Fenstermaker, 2016;Lara, 2010;Longo, 2017;Lydon et al, 2015;Lynch & Bartels, 2017; National Center for Transgender Equality, 2018a; Newcomen, 2017; Rosenberg & Oswin, 2015;Wilson et al, 2017). Incarcerated transgender women also report being treated with indifference, ridiculed, and sexually and physically violated by those working in the system.…”

Facilitating Career Development Concerns of Gender Transitioning Individuals: Professional Standards and Competencies

“…Career development practitioners can collaborate with clients to develop individualized career plans that include specific goals and objectives that individuals wish to achieve during the gender transition process. For example, during the beginning of gender transition, career development practitioners can help gender transitioning individuals develop a well considered plan to facilitate a successful coming‐out process within the workplace (i.e., disclosure to coworkers, supervisors, management, human resources staff; Holman & Goldberg, ). In this situation, career development practitioners can discuss advantages and shortcomings of the disclosure (e.g., rejection vs. acceptance), examine the individual's perceptions of potential outcomes in relation to her or his organizational culture (e.g., adapt to changes, gender hierarchy; Chen‐Hayes, ), and assess the individual's coping skills and sources of support (e.g., families, partners; Chope & Strom, ).…”

Island Lives

“…Participants expressed a need for trans-related health care information, trans sensitivity awareness programs, and training for service providers. Even those providing social and medical transgender case advocacy are likely to need additional support and access to information (Holman & Goldberg, 2006; Lawrence, 2007). Since the inception of the study, several training sessions for providers on the island have taken place.…”

“…The participants in this study reported few experiences of violence and crime; however, this survey reported on a convenience sample. Despite outreach attempts by members of the community, particularly marginalized demographic groups, such as sex trade workers, immigrants, refugees, migrants, homeless people, racialized people, youth, the elderly, or prison inmates (Holman & Goldberg, 2006) were not widely represented. The needs assessment did not specifically assess HIV status, and while participants did not raise HIV status as a top need, it is possible that some of the 12 participants who declared chronic illness may be HIV positive.…”