The necessity of social support for transgender people in China
These individuals might not have equal rights at work or equal rights to education and thus many find themselves unable to fully participate in society or experiencing suicidal ideation. According to one survey of 1309 Chinese transgender people, the lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation was 56·4% (732/1298), and the lifetime prevalence of suicide attempt was 16·1% (209/1298).
- Chen R
- Zhu X
- Wright L
- et al.
Family support and social acceptance could considerably help transgender individuals.
- Ross-Reed DE
- Reno J
- Peñaloza L
- Green D
- FitzGerald C
However, transgender individuals are rarely met with acceptance from their families in China, especially in less developed areas, because the traditional Chinese belief is that carrying on the family line is natural and inevitable in human life. Moreover, influenced by religion and faith, gender minorities are also seen as guilty, shameful, and immoral in various cultures. Therefore, we should not only pay more attention to the mental health of transgender people, but we should also focus on psychologically supporting family members. However, the quality of Chinese psychologists varies considerably. Thus, we appeal to the Chinese Government to employ more qualified psychologists and build a sound psychological support system for both transgender individuals and their family members.
Notice of the General Office of the Ministry of Health on printing and distributing the “Technical Management Specifications for Sex Transformation Surgery (Trial)”.
Any intentional or unintentional privacy disclosures might severely affect the lives of transgender individuals because they could subsequently face discrimination. The Chinese Government should enhance education on diversity and amend legislation to prevent discrimination based on gender identity at work and in education.
In the 21st century, we should focus on the psychological wellbeing of transgender people and help them to feel comfortable and able to participate in society. For these individuals, affirming their identity should be the start of a new, happy, and healthy life.
We declare no competing interests. ZX, YG, and CH contributed equally.
References
- 1.
On the legal issues of transgender people.
Chinese Health Law. 2005; 13 : 5-7
- 2.
Suicidal ideation and attempted suicide amongst Chinese transgender persons: national population study.
J Affect Disord. 2019; 245: 1126-1134
- 3.
Family, school, and peer support are associated with rates of violence victimization and self-harm among gender minority and cisgender youth.
J Adolesc Health. 2019; 65: 776-783
- 4.
Notice of the General Office of the Ministry of Health on printing and distributing the “Technical Management Specifications for Sex Transformation Surgery (Trial)”.
Article Info
Publication History
Published: November 19, 2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.