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5.2 Proposals for empowerment strategies
There are several possible proposals that are likely to increase our
knowledge of transgender individuals and LGBT issues at large. Hopefully,
increased knowledge can contribute to countering discrimination
and phobic reactions. Some of the proposals outlined in the narrative
review are summarised below.
1. Empowerment strategies. Since psychological problems related to
well-being and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts is rather high among
transgender individuals it is important that society take some kind of
responsibility for these difficulties. It, therefore, becomes relevant to
consider how different kinds of empowerment strategies can provide
support for transgender individuals. Further, it is also important to
look at, for example, how different social authorities in society can
contribute to create a more accepting attitude in society towards transgender
individuals. These considerations are fundamentally related to
existential questions on identity, who are we, and which identities are
acceptable to manifest in our society.
2. Support directed at the young LGBT group. Teaching material and
better courses of LGBT studies should be produced aimed at compulsory
school (grades 1–9), high school and college and university.
Education courses in the LGBT area should also be directed at school
staff, teachers, school nurses and welfare officers working with young
people in order to improve the treatment of young LGBT individuals
in schools. More educational programs concentrating upon the LGBT
should be introduced into specific courses, particularly in the care sector.
3. Better education programs for care personnel. Special efforts should
be directed at treatment and care personnel who have contact with the
LGBT groups. Psychologists, welfare officers and physicians within the
field of psychiatry need opportunities of supplementary or in-service
training in LGBT matters so that they are more adequately equipped to
help LGBT individuals.
4. Support for youth guidance centres. Youth guidance centres already
play a very important part. Young individuals can go to these centres
with all kinds of problem. The staff can give support and advice.
There is also a need for increased research and development in this
54 • summary