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1. License to Be Yourself: Responding to National Security and Identity Fraud Arguments

Publication Date:
04-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
In much of the world, trans and intersex people struggle to obtain official identity documents that acknowledge their appropriate names and sex or gender markers. When people are forced to rely on documents that do not match their gender identity, they risk being subjected to harassment and discrimination. In addition, they may be suspected of identity fraud and trigger security alerts because of the discrepancy between their documents and their gender identity or appearance. The lack of appropriate documentation is particularly dangerous in situations where a trans or intersex person is crossing a border and being unable to prove their identity can result in being detained or deported. This brief counters concerns that progressive gender recognition laws and policies will undermine national security and increase the risk of identity fraud. It is the fourth of four resources for activists that accompany Open Society’s 2014 report on legal gender recognition across the world, License to Be Yourself.
Topic:
Gender Issues, Law, Discrimination, LGBT+, Sexuality, Identity, and Transgender
Political Geography:
Global Focus

2. License to Be Yourself: Forced Sterilization

Publication Date:
11-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
The vast majority of trans people around the world cannot obtain legal recognition of—or official documents that match—their gender identity. Where laws do recognize trans people, they often require that trans people have undergone gender affirming surgeries or hormone treatment, which result in sterilization. This forces trans people to choose between legal recognition of their gender identity or medical treatments they do not desire. In many cases these requirements amount to forced or coerced sterilization. This brief explains legal requirements that affect the recognition of trans and intersex people. It examines case law and addresses key arguments made by those who defend required medical treatments. It is the second of four resources for activists that accompany Open Society’s 2014 report on legal gender recognition across the world, License to Be Yourself.
Topic:
Gender Issues, LGBT+, Public Health, Identity, Transgender, and Sterilization
Political Geography:
Global Focus

3. License to Be Yourself: Trans Children and Youth

Publication Date:
11-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
The vast majority of trans youth around the world cannot obtain legal recognition of—or official documents that match—their gender identity. This means trans youth have to navigate sex-segregated situations with no formal documents that support their gender identity. This exposes trans youth to exclusion, discrimination, and abuse. Day-to-day impacts include being excluded from single-sex schools, and from gender-segregated activities such as sports teams or school camps. Often trans children and youth are prohibited from using school bathrooms that are appropriate for their gender identity, placing them at high risk of violence and bullying. This brief explains international human rights obligations and current recognition laws from across the world. It also examines key arguments made by those who opppose legal gender recognition for trans youth. It is the third of four resources for activists that accompany Open Society’s 2014 report on legal gender recognition across the world, License to Be Yourself.
Topic:
Education, Gender Issues, Youth, LGBT+, Sexual Violence, Justice, Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Transgender
Political Geography:
Global Focus

4. License to Be Yourself: Marriage and Forced Divorce

Publication Date:
04-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
The vast majority of trans people around the world cannot obtain legal recognition of—or official documents that match—their gender identity. Where laws do recognize trans people, they often exclude those who are married. This forces trans people to choose between legal recognition of their gender identity or their marriage. Forced divoce violates trans people’s right to privacy, marriage, and recognition under the law. This brief explains legal restrictions that affect the recognition of married trans and intersex people. It examines case law and addresses key arguments made by those who oppose such recognition. It is the first of four resources for activists that accompany Open Society’s 2014 report on legal gender recognition across the world, License to Be Yourself.
Topic:
Law, Discrimination, LGBT+, Family, Sexuality, Marriage, and Transgender
Political Geography:
Global Focus

5. License to Be Yourself

Publication Date:
05-2014
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
When trans people’s passports, driver licenses, and national ID cards, do not reflect their gender identity, it can exclude them from fundamental aspects of daily life—like receiving health care, schooling, housing, or a bank account. And it can prevent trans people from exercising basic liberties like the right to vote or freedom of movement. The vast majority of trans people around the world cannot obtain official documents under their appropriate name and sex that match their gender identity. Where this is possible, trans people often face highly restrictive laws or regulations for changing name and sex that violate human rights obligations. These restrictions may involve excluding trans people who are married or have children, or require compulsory medical diagnoses or proceedures, including those that result in sterilization. License to Be Yourself documents some of the world’s most progressive and rights-based laws and policies that enable trans people to change their gender identity on official documents. It shares strategies that activists have successfully used in a variety of global and legal contexts, and features case studies from Argentina, Australia, Hong Kong, Kenya, Ukraine, and the United States. This report is a resource for activists working on human rights issues for trans people, local communities examining best laws and policies, and policymakers seeking to uphold the rights of trans people.
Topic:
Gender Issues, Human Rights, LGBT+, Sexuality, Identity, Legal Sector, and Transgender
Political Geography:
Global Focus

6. Transforming Health: International Rights-Based Advocacy for Trans Health

Publication Date:
02-2013
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
Trans people across the world face substantial barriers to adequate health and health care. They are targets of discrimination and violence, are at greater risk of contracting HIV, and experience a higher incidence of mental health problems like depression. They face discrimination from health care providers, a lack of doctors trained to address their needs, and the refusal of many national health systems and insurance providers to cover their care. Yet trans communities are building alliances to promote trans health and to fight for policies that respect gender diversity and human rights. This report profiles projects from 16 organizations in twelve countries that address these barriers. These projects offered general health services as well as those related to gender transition, trained health care providers to respond to the needs and concerns of trans patients, conducted public education campaigns about discrimination against trans people, advocated for legal and medical policy changes, and organized trans communities to empower themselves. Collecting insights from these projects, Transforming Health makes recommendations to governments, rights advocates, health professionals and public health organizations, and health and rights donors.
Topic:
HIV/AIDS, Gender Issues, Health, Discrimination, LGBT+, Public Health, Sexual Health, and Transgender
Political Geography:
Global Focus

7. LGBT Health and Rights in East Africa: A Snapshot of Successes and Challenges for the Advocacy Community

Publication Date:
09-2007
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
The Public Health Program’s Sexual Health and Rights Project (SHARP), in partnership with OSI foundations and initiatives in Africa, is exploring ways to expand support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health and rights efforts in Eastern and Southern Africa. SHARP gathered information about community needs, funding opportunities, and challenges by developing contacts with local advocates and groups and other donors, and by reviewing existing data and reports. While there is a tremendous amount of information available, it appears that those supporting the work sometimes have limited awareness of the full range of efforts being undertaken. In order for donors to work more effectively, it is important for this information gap to be bridged. The information in this report is organized into five topics: Challenges to the LBGT movement; LGBT groups operating in East Africa; reports and convenings focusing on LGBT issues in Africa; potential opportunities for future advocacy on LGBT issues; and recommended next steps for funders. We hope this analysis will help donors develop strategies and collaborations for supporting LGBT health and rights in the region.
Topic:
Human Rights, LGBT+, Advocacy, Community, and Transgender
Political Geography:
Africa

8. Sexual Health and Rights: Sex Workers, Transgender People & Men Who Have Sex with Men—Thailand

Publication Date:
09-2006
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
Sponsored by OSI's Sexual Health and Rights Project, Sexual Health and Rights: Sex Workers, Transgender People & Men Who Have Sex with Men-Thailand aims to provide an understanding of the health and rights of sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender people in Thailand, with a specific focus on HIV concerns. Conducted between January and March 2006 in Thailand, the study gathered information through document review and interviews. This material was collated and analyzed in workshops and interviews with men who have sex with men, transgender people (specifically male-to-female), and sex workers. Their experiences, priorities, and recommendations were collected and written up to form the basis of the document.
Topic:
LGBT+, Sexuality, Public Health, Sex Education, and Transgender
Political Geography:
Thailand