The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia gave visibility all over the world to the struggle against all forms of violence based on sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression. To the indispensable recognition of that violence, that strikes with sustained force against trans* individuals and communities in different countries, there is another recognition that GATE considers necessary to be added: that of the strength of trans social and political movements, of their capacity to determine their rights and priorities, create their own languages and identify their goals, to build their alliances and the opportunities to create social, legal and political changes, even where transphobia strikes more fiercely.
This is why today we want to share with you all our report called It’s Time for Reform. Trans* Health Issues in the International Classification of Diseases. This report summarizes the discussions held in The Hague in November 2011, during the experts meeting organized by GATE to collectively address the review of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) produced by the World Health Organization.
The review of ICD-10 and the production of ICD-11 constitute a historical opportunity for trans* movements: the opportunity to fight simultaneously for depathologizing gender identity and for full access to healthcare – a combination that we are convinced to be not only necessary, but also possible.
The review process for the International Classification of Diseases is under way and now the international efforts of trans* activists, organizations and movements are key. Throughout the year, GATE will contribute to these efforts through different actions – like translating the report into different languages, organizing trainings on ICD and multiplying the spaces for meeting, exchanges and strategy building around the review and reform. If you are interested in getting more information and/or in joining this initiative, please get in touch with us by sending an email to icd@gate.ngo
Download Its time for reform for here.