TGEU welcomes the EU Fundamental Rights Agency’s report Being Trans in the European Union: Comparative analysis of EU LGBT survey data. The new report analyses the findings of the EU LGBT survey data (2012) for its nearly 7000 trans respondents. It is thus the largest survey in Europe looking particularly into the situation of trans people.

„We are very excited to have this first-hand data about the experiences of trans people.” comments TGEU Executive Director Julia Ehrt, “The results are sobering and call for a strong political response. Trans people face a harsh reality with many experiencing repetitive violence, discrimination and isolation. Particularly young, unemployed and with low income are at risk.“

“One third of trans job seekers experiences discrimination when looking for a job. But discrimination on the job continues, as reported by another third. With 23% of trans respondents not being in paid employment, we need more concrete measures. Governments should tackle discrimination and promote human rights of trans people, focusing particularly on those most at risk. ” adds Ehrt.

One important trigger for unemployment is having not-matching documents.

“Despite having the qualifications many trans applicants are not even invited to the interview, because their papers do not match.” says TGEU Senior Policy Officer Richard Köhler.

“For a change of name and gender marker sterility, medical interventions and a diagnosis of mental illness are often required. In order to tackle unemployment amongst trans-people governments should swiftly reform their gender recognition procedures. Procedures should be based on the self-determination of the person.” adds Köhler.

The FRA study is launched today at a joint event in Brussels with Transgender Europe and the European Parliament Intergroup on LGBT Rights.

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ENDS

Download the EU Fundamental Rights Agency’s report Being Trans in the European Union: Comparative analysis of EU LGBT survey data.

Download the 16 page summary of the report here.

Learn more about TGEU’s work on gender recognition procedures.

Website of the launch event.

 

Transgender Europe is a European human rights NGO working for the human rights and equality of all trans people. More Information: www.tgeu.org

Transgender or Trans is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex assigned to them at birth.

TGEU Senior Policy Officer Richard Köhler is available for interviews and questions and can be reached at:

email: Richard@tgeu.org

phone: +49 (0)177 65 31 518