Homophobia and Discrimination on

Elderly transgender people have been marginalised in their teens, during their adulthood
<strong>and</strong> in the final stage of their lives. As the first generation of transgender people who
were able to undergo hormonal <strong>and</strong>/or surgical treatment age, valid research questions
arise relating to the long-term effects of cross-sex hormone use <strong>and</strong> treatment of these
individuals in retirement homes <strong>and</strong> nursing facilities. The dignity of elderly transgender
people, many of whom have remained private about their identities, is threatened as
they become increasingly dependent upon other people’s care <strong>and</strong>, for practical reasons
apart from anything else, may have to eventually disclose their gender status. 466
Transgender children <strong>and</strong> adolescents also face unique problems. More likely than not,
gender non-conforming children will suffer the severe consequences of confronting
sanctions of their behaviour, disbelief, repression <strong>and</strong> misdiagnoses. 467
Transgender people who also identify themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual meet the
same kind of prejudice that other LGB people face in society which compounds their
already high level of abuse. In addition, their sexual orientation is often not fully
appreciated or is confused with their gender identity. Acceptance within LGB groups can
be very different depending on the group. While cross-dressing has long been a part of
gay culture in many countries, 468 acceptance of transsexual men <strong>and</strong> women is often
very low.
Good practices: In Germany, a website for young transgender people, their family
members <strong>and</strong> friends called ‘Young T – Where you’re always welcome!’ offers
information, exchange with people in similar situations, <strong>and</strong> helps young transgender
people find friends. 469
Good practice: In the United Kingdom Age Concern published a booklet ‘Planning for
later life – transgender people’. 470
466 Witten, T, Whittle, S (2004) TransPanthers: The Greying of Transgender <strong>and</strong> the Law, Deakin Law
Review, Vol. 9 Nr. 2, 2004
467 Justus Eisfeld, (2008), The situation concerning transphobia <strong>and</strong> discrimination on grounds of gender
identity <strong>and</strong>/or gender expression in the EU Member States', DIHR, p. 32
468 Brooks, R (2000) ‘Cross-Dressing in Bulgaria: Gay-Identity, Post-Communist Fear, <strong>and</strong> Magical Love’,
available at http://bad.eserver.org/issues/2000/50/brooks.html (22.05.2008)
469 Information provided by Transgender Europe at consultative roundtable on combating homophobia <strong>and</strong>
transphobia in the EU, June 2008, Copenhagen.
470 See http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/equality_human_rights_policy.asp (13.06.2008)
Part II - The Social Situation
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