Trans In Eigen Hand: beyond the gatekeeping of healthcare
We’re laser-focused on the healthcare system for trans people in The Netherlands. Although it has helped a great deal of people through transition, it’s also still a heavily gatekept system that infringes upon fundamental human rights and bodily autonomy.
Gender dysphoria is still classified as a disease in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and we believe this drives the current approach to gender-affirming care. This is reflected by calls of the European Commissioner for Human Rights for a self-determination model: “effective and stigma-free access to trans specific healthcare services, including psychological, endocrinological and surgical procedures, without requiring a mental illness diagnosis, in line with the World Health Organisation ICD-11.” We see this fight in the light of other efforts around bodily autonomy, like the abortion rights movement, and the removal of homosexuality from the DSM classification system. We take great inspiration from these movements.
A just future
We believe a world is possible where the broadest range of expressions and identities are not only tolerated but celebrated. Gender-affirming care should revolve around the journey of self-discovery of the trans or gender diverse person. Healthcare providers can support this process but should never hinder it. Our community’s right to live out their gender identity to their fullest would no longer be gatekept.
Undivided attention
The Spark Fund has allowed us to direct our undivided attention to our mission, without wasting many hours on more fundraising.
The funds were used to build out our set of educational materials and training programmes for healthcare practitioners, as well as tools for trans and gender diverse people to navigate the current system. We recently launched a guide for general practitioners on gender-affirming hormone therapy, in collaboration with the National Society for General Practitioners. We’ve also used part of our funds to band together with other grassroots organisations in The Netherlands, so we can collectively raise our voice for gender-affirming care based on a self-determination model.
Without the support of the Spark Fund, we would not have achieved as much as we have today, and we’re deeply thankful for the support.
Support the work of groups like Trans In Eigen Hand by donating today.
