“Transphobia is the fear, hatred, disbelief or mistrust of people who are transgender, thought to be transgender or whose gender expression doesn’t conform to traditional gender norms. This definition can be extended to include gender queer or gender fluid people.
Transphobia includes negative attitudes and beliefs; prejudice against trans, gender queer and gender fluid people; irrational fears; ignoring preferred gender identity/pronouns; name-calling or using degrading or belittling language; and bullying, harassment, abuse and violence.
Transphobia can present itself in obvious ways (e.g., verbal abuse) or it can be subtle (e.g., denial of services, jobs or housing). A number of studies have shown that minority stress experienced by transgender people is associated with negative mental and physical health. Trans individuals who experience gender-related discrimination have higher levels of psychological distress, higher rates of depression and poor health. Poor health status can be a result of both direct and indirect impacts of discrimination.“
On behalf of your Nova Scotia Lawyers Assistance Program (NSLAP) provider, Homewood HealthTM is pleased to provide the following newsletter “Navigating Transphobia“
If you have wellness questions, or are looking for wellness information, visit the NSLAP website at www.nslap.ca. For more information and support, along with resources and counselling on dealing with transphobia, register with Homewood Health™ https://homeweb.ca/. Please note that NSLAP is your “company” name when you register.
Call in confidence, 24 hours a day: 1 866 299 1299 (within Nova Scotia) | (See the website for details about calling from outside Nova Scotia) | 1 866 398 9505 (en français) | 1 888 384 1152 (TTY).