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Don't
try this at home! Here are some reports we've heard from the front lines: Put all trans women together in one room. Not all trans people get along and certainly not after being confined in a small room together! What were aiming for is inclusion this one borders on segregation and although it may appear to be an easy way of avoiding discrimination by other residents it will leave trans residents with a feeling that they are being treated unfairly and is bound to lead to more hostility. All trans women must have had genital surgery to use the women's dorm / bathroom. Genital surgery for trans women costs between $20,000 and $50,000 and is not covered by OHIP. If she could afford surgery she would probably not be in need of a shelter. Some trans women don't want the surgery, and most can not afford it. Trans women can only stay here if they pass as women. Passing is very expensive and near impossible for some. Whether or not you pass depends on having the money to purchase expensive surgeries and procedures, and sometimes simply depends on the size and shape of the body you were born with. Passing is a distant goal for many trans people and is already the source of much pain and discrimination, therefore, it should never be used to deny much needed assistance. Passing or not, trans women are in need of services and men's hostels/shelters are neither appropriate nor safe. Trans women can only access women's hostels if they have changed their legal identity to "female". There are overwhelming barriers to achieving a legal "sex-change", making it quite unlikely that those in need of hostel services will have completed this. Trans women can only stay here if they are on hormones. Meeting all of the criteria for doctors approval is a major challenge for all trans people, even if they have stable housing and employment. Add on the extra challenge of homelessness, unemployment, or mental health concerns, and the task becomes very challenging. Hormones can also cost $100 a month or more. Lastly, this would be akin to forced medication. Trans women can stay here but they have to use the men's bathroom. Even if she doesn't completely pass as a woman, she probably doesn't really pass as a man either. A trans woman would not be safe in the men's bathroom and should not be expected to face a dangerous situation to spare discomfort in the women's bathroom. Both the trans woman and the non-trans woman's safety concerns are real and women can learn about trans issues and become more comfortable with the presence of trans women. This policy reflects myths about sexual assault and fails to acknowledge the safety concerns of a trans woman who may face hostility and violence in either bathroom. - All trans women must wear dresses and make-up and appear feminine. All variations and expressions of contemporary women (trans or not) should be respected. This policy might seem like an easy way to avoid bad reactions from the other residents, but special rules that apply only to trans residents will eventually lead to resentment and a more volatile atmosphere in the hostel. All trans women must prove they have had genital surgery by showing their body to staff or to a doctor. This practice is extremely invasive and inappropriate. Staff should not ask for medical specifics of a trans resident's transition outside of what is generally asked of all residents (i.e. medications that are to be kept by the hostel; specific physical and mental health needs during their stay). |
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