The Daily Telegraph
01/11/2025
By Mikaila Ellora Nugraha
Facing discrimination against transgender and non-binary people is much more than a law.
For many transgender and non-binary people, a visit to the doctor can be an anxiety most of the time, rather than a relief. The awkward pause when the receptionist checks the form twice, or a weird glance of people who don’t know which pronoun to use.
As the United Nations Woman Council gathered today (11/1), the transgender and non-binary people’s rights have been highlighted throughout the discussion.
It seems the delegates are circled back to one point. Where they should be talking about the human rights for the transgender and non-binary people, before moving onto the law itself.
As stated by Thailand, “The discrimination that transgender people face shows that they are “really lacking their basic needs in life.” Without Legal Gender Recognition (LGR), people face instability in accessing education, healthcare access, and essential public services.
Many representatives echoed each other that inclusion begins with visibility. The United States clearly states that “we have to make them feel seen and heard.” The Australian delegate also has been recommending other nations about how important it is for us to “uphold the people’s right before the law.”
According to what the delegate of Australia has been stating in their discussions, this discrimination issue could be caused by societal norms. The stigma could systematically root in our society thinking that transgender and non-binary is a “disease.”
“This issue intersects with other problems such as races and culture towards this community,” the delegate stated in a discussion regarding the discrimination the transgender and non-binary people face.
What stood out was how the discussion turned talking about how the stigma works in this modern era. For once, the council is not divided by how diverse their perspective of policy is. But they are sounded and united by empathy.
The New Zealand delegate started the discussion quoting the saying of “I am not fully a man, I am not fully a woman. But I am fully human.” It was the kind of line which echoes through the chamber. Resulting in other nations nodding in agreement. Someone’s identity shouldn’t have a label for it to be respected.
“It is a safeguard the people should have” stated Sweden in regards to how important the rights of transgender and non-binary people are.
In a later statement, the delegate of Australia firmly states that accessing public service is a basic human need. It is essential for people to be able to have an equitable life.
In the next appointment, the transgender and non-binary people should not hesitate when making one.