Talk about a Pride Month development! Earlier this week, Mayor Joy Belmonte announced that the Quezon city government is opening their doors for the trans community and providing healthcare services for them.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Belmonte said that the city's Trans* Health QC program will "include free hormone counseling, assessment, and management for trans people."
The Mayor further noted that this service is a testament of being an ally to the community. She also extended her gratitude to TLF Share, Trans* Health Philippines, USAID, and the Philippine Professional Association for Transgender Health for their partnership in making this service possible.
"Trans community, QC is your ally! Kaya naman, buong suporta si Mayor Joy Belmonte sa paglulunsad ng Trans* Health QC kung saan mas mailalapit sa mga trans brother and sister natin ang access to health services," the Mayor said in a Tweet.
Bridging The Gap: Making Quality Healthcare Accessible To Trans Community
Discrimination is one of the biggest challenges that the transgender community in the Philippines face. And this extends even to their access to healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "there are no specific health services or guidelines for care directed to transgender people in the Philippines" and that stigma and discrimination continues to perpetuate that scarcity.
In a study by the University of the Philippines, 72% of transgender in the country have experienced prejudice in the medical setting and are refused the proper care and treatment they deserve. Moreover, the country also lacks facilities that would cater to specialized services such as gender-affirming therapies, surgeries, and hormone replacement therapies.
Hence, bridging the gap is necessary, especially if the country aims to create a society where human rights, regardless of gender, are protected. This includes access to healthcare services for all.
