Categories: uncategorized
Date: 08 February 2008 18:28:38
Well. What an interesting day, but I feel like I have brain bounce now!!
Today I went to a training session about “Understanding and supporting the needs of trans people”. It was fascinating, and I learnt a lot. The session was being run for LGBT History Month by a trans woman who works at The Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic. Interestingly she had also been a service user of the local mental health services some years ago so it meant she had real insight into the problems and issues for trans service users.
One of the things I liked most about the session was she started off by saying that questions were welcome and people shouldn't worry too much about the language they use to express those questions. Certainly for me I worry slightly that I will say the wrong thing, in the wrong way at the wrong time. Instead of people not asking the questions the language issue was addressed as we went along. So.. if I have used the wrong terms and phrases here... tough! I am trying to get it right, but it is like learning a whole new language!
So... here are some of the things that I learnt today that I didn't know before...
1. Unlike homosexuality Gender Identity Disorders are still included in the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD). Apparently the reason for this is that in order to get treatment such as gender realignment surgery there needs to be a diagnosis, hence their inclusion. Hmmm.
2. Regardless of whether the individual has had surgery or not The Gender Recognition Act (2004) means that they can apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate. This means that they can get a passport, birth certificate, driving licence etc. with their new name and gender documented. It also means that they can marry someone of the opposite sex. There are few exceptions to this act and this legislation fully identifies them in 'their new gender'.
3. Finally, one of the things that has stuck in my mind is that if a client discloses to me that they are trans then I am professionally on shaky ground! Under the Gender Recognition Act I am not allowed to disclose that information to anyone, and I could get sued if I do. There are a couple of exceptions, but they are very specific, such as to medical personnel if the information impacts on medical treatment. However, it means that secretaries can't know or other people who work in the team etc. It means sealed clinical notes and complete discretion. Don't get me wrong, I think this is great... unfortunately my brain just starts thinking about scenarios in which this could make work a complete and utter nightmare!
Anyway, I learnt a lot and these are just a few of the things which fascinated me the most. It was particularly interesting as this was a session run by the mental health trust which meant there we considered a few scenarios. I guess I came away realising how careful I need to be about judging people and in particular to remember that trans people have stuff like anyone else to deal with and not everything is to do with their gender.
Speaking personally it also made me realise how much I love the diversity that I see around me. I love having friends who cross 'normative boundaries'. I like having gay, bi, straight, lesbian and trans friends. It is important to me to have that variety around me and I think it makes me a better person. All in all they are just my friends and that is the most important bit to me.