COVID-19 and the trans community: by Sam Hope

Sometimes it’s hard when the whole world is in crisis to be able to talk about the specific ways members of our community might be affected differently. This blog is intended to acknowledge particular issues affecting the trans community during the pandemic, and signpost to advice and resources.

Disruption of healthcare

Our hearts go out to anyone whose needed healthcare is disrupted by the pandemic, whatever the reason. The news that all trans surgery was being halted was perhaps inevitable for safety reasons, but is still a huge blow to the community, especially given how long many trans people had already waited for surgery. At times like these the assumption that trans healthcare is “non-essential” can add to the burden trans people carry, although it is clear now that much essential healthcare is being halted by the scale of the crisis.

It is also possible that in the coming months there may be medicine supply issues. Guidelines for GPs on managing healthcare in that event can be found here and here.

There is an example letter for extending prescriptions here

Vulnerability and isolation

There are many reasons why members of our community may be more vulnerable and isolated just now, or at risk of violence. We are more likely to experience difficult family relationships leading to flimsier support networks, and there are many other ways in which our treatment in relationships, family, community, society and online spaces can compromise our mental health.

Also, trans people exist in a population cluster where other differences, such as autism, intersex conditions and joint hypermobility, co-occur more frequently. This means there are higher levels of physical ill health and disability in our community too.

Those of us who are part of a community of trans people may also feel there are a lot of vulnerable folk around us in need of support.

If you are a vulnerable person in terms of health, you can get assistance from the government here

Organisations that can help:

Mutual Aid support systems like Queercare (you can sign up with them to offer or receive help)

Galop the LGBT+ anti-violence charity can be contacted if you’ve experienced violence – they have also produced a useful trans resilience in isolation Powerpoint

What the Trans have a Discord Server you can join for mutual trans support

Mental health resources

You might like this somatic check-in from a community member to help promote better mental health.

Changes to the Mental Health Act – Rethink has a good summary here

Coping with stress during Covid-19 – a graphic from the World Health Organisation is here

For anyone feeling suicidal, there are resources at Staying Safe here and a video from Jack, a trans guy, about safety planning here

Sex work

Resources for sex workers can be found here

Chest binding

Please consider the impact of chest binding. To get some advice around chest binding and Covid-19, see this guide.

Other resources

There’s a whole Twitter thread from Dr Harry Josephine Giles here with some of the other issues facing the community at this time and listing resources

Stonewall list other sources of support here

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