TGEU Countries: Turkey Interview with hayat, a trans woman who was refused access to healthcare services In the educational system, bullying, discrimination and Societal violence even violence from other students, their teachers and Trans people face stigmatisation from the very beginning the administration are common experiences among of their lives. Having a non-conforming gender identity Could you tell us about the discrimination you faced at the As far as I know, the case was brought to trial. trans youth. TGEU’s TvT Survey on the Social Experiences or gender expression results in stigmatisation and social hospital, which was also reflected in the media? What have What stage is it at now? What has happened? of Trans and Gender-diverse People (TvT survey) 6 reveals exclusion. In the TvT survey, of the 108 of 109 respond- you gone through? On the day of the case, the minutes were taken and sent to the Chief some worrisome trends in Turkey’s educational system: ents who answered the question on discrimination from On 31 March 2014, after my sex-reassignment surgery at the Physician. A case was presented against the doctor on the basis of society, 66 per cent stated that they always experience same hospital, in accordance with the guidance of the senior malpractice and discriminatory and insulting behaviour. The gov- discrimination from society, while only 2 per cent feel general surgeon, I went to the Beyoglu District Polyclinic’s De- ernor ruled that charges could not be pressed against her. In the that they have never been discriminated against. partment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, which is linked to the expert witness report, which constituted the basis for this decision, Prof Dr Resat Belger Training and Research Hospital, in order to it was proposed that she should receive a disciplinary punishment Trans women and trans men experience different types receive a prescription for my medication. Although the special- from the Istanbul Chamber of Medicine. We are awaiting the re- of discrimination and violence. Consistently with the ist doctor stated that this was not her area of expertise, I sensed sults of the investigation by prosecutor’s office. The case has been dominant patriarchal system, femininity is perceived as discrimination in her attitude. I told her that she was the expert forwarded to the Istanbul Chamber of Medicine. inferior. As a result, trans children or adolescents who want to wear female clothing or express themselves in gynaecologist and that I was told she could prescribe the medication. She told she could not prescribe the medication without an Trans people’s experiences of discrimination in regard to education (TvT survey) a feminine way easily become targets of transphobia. The situation differs in many ways for trans men, but examination. I asked her to examine me and told her that I have In your opinion, what kind of legal or de facto measures should wounds and need the prescription. She told me I was man, and I be taken against such discriminatory practices experienced told her that I had received the surgery by court order, and that by trans individuals? According to the survey, of the 52 respondents who perceived as “masculine ladies”, and masculinity is ap- she did not have the right to behave in that way because I am like Sexual orientation and gender identity should be taken into con- answered the question on experiences at school, 63 preciated in Turkish society. However, they benefit from any other patient. She told me again that she would not examine sideration in the structure and operation of all government agen- per cent stated that their overall experience was bad. this prejudice only as long as they live as female. If they me because she did not approve of my situation. I told her that cies and in all legal regulations. In order to challenge the con- Of the 104 respondents who answered the question, come out as a trans man, they are faced with rejection, that was discrimination, and that I would file a complaint against servative, binary understanding of gender, the state should be 89 per cent reported that their achievements at school stigmatisation and discrimination, often in the form of her. She told me to leave and to do whatever I wanted. I left the the transformative power in this issue. I think the first and most were not acknowledged at all. Being a trans child or ad- rape, forced marriage or brutal violence and murder. hospital in tears. important step in achieving this transformation is to intervene in olescent may mean being trapped in an endless struggle the national education system. for recognition. they too face severe human-rights violations. They are Often, because they do not have access to education, Then I went back there in the afternoon. I explained the situa- trans people lack qualifications for regular jobs. But in tion calmly. The doctor again made discriminatory comments many cases, they are university graduates and possess and said, “I do not want to be part of this because you are on the required qualifications but still have their job applications wrong path”. We protested that she has no right to do this. She rejected, or are fired if they are found out to be trans. immediately called security, and we left. Widespread discrimination in education and the job market pushes many trans women into the sex industry. + 94 + + 95 +