Barriers to Trans People Getting Legal Services
- Attorneys lack basic knowledge
- Intake forms, office environment unwelcoming
- Medicalization and pathologizing of experience-judgmental and patronizing treatment
- Topic still derided by social/legal service professionals
- Not enough people doing the work
- Case rejected because unfamiliar, too complicated, bias
- Never seek legal services because of fear and isolation
Providing Services to Trans People
- Honor presenting gender (pronouns, name)-call people by the words they choose, correct yourself if you make a mistake
- Examine own biases and values
- Don't just add "T" without doing work
- Train all staff-receptionists, security guards, director
- Build trust, have trans staff people
- Don't make assumptions about sexuality and gender
- Respect confidentiality, choices, and fluidity of identity
- Make trans issues part of organization's priorities
- De-gender bathrooms
- Admit what you don't know
- Don't sensationalize or sexualize trans bodies: ask yourself "Is this question/comment relevant to my work?"
- Take burden off trans people (helping others with proper pronouns, making a plan before going into a hostile environment)
- Unlearn gender policing amongst non-trans people, too (co-workers, family, friends)
- Be outspoken trans advocate in all contexts
- Put indications of trans-safe space on the walls in your office to create welcoming environment
