In a step towards advancing transgender health and rights in Nepal, the Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN), Blue Diamond Society, Dr. Suba and Dr. Fiera joined forces to host a transformative workshop on trans healthcare in Kathmandu on August 3-4, 2024. This two-day training brought together 20 healthcare professionals from various sectors, including public, private, and community-based organizations, with the shared goal of fostering a more inclusive and competent healthcare environment for transgender individuals.
Goals and Objectives of the Workshop
The primary goal of this workshop was to build the capacity of healthcare professionals in Nepal to provide inclusive and sustainable transgender healthcare. With a focus on establishing a cadre of skilled trainers, the workshop aimed to:
- Establish Skilled Trainers: Equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively educate and sensitize their peers on transgender health issues, creating a ripple effect of awareness and understanding throughout the healthcare system in Nepal.
- Empower Healthcare Providers: Sensitize and empower Healthcare Providers to deliver quality trans healthcare services, ensuring that transgender individuals receive the respectful and competent care they deserve.
- Alleviate Stigma: Address and alleviate the stigma that transgender individuals often face within healthcare settings, creating a safer and more supportive environment for trans patients.
A Comprehensive Training Module
The workshop was centered around APTN’s “Towards Transformative Healthcare: Asia Pacific Trans Health and Rights Module,” a comprehensive resource designed to improve the trans competency of healthcare providers across Asia and the Pacific. This module serves as an essential tool for healthcare professionals, particularly those in primary care, including community-based health services.
Participants were encouraged to complete the online module via the Thinkific platform before attending the workshop. This pre-training preparation ensured that attendees were well-versed in the critical issues related to healthcare access, human rights, and gender equality for transgender populations.
A Diverse Group of Participants
The workshop drew a diverse group of healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, general practitioners, endocrinologists, STI/HIV doctors, nurses, and counselors. These participants represented a wide range of healthcare settings, from public hospitals to private clinics and community-based organizations. The inclusion of community members and relevant experts further enriched the training experience, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of transgender individuals were at the forefront of discussions.
Training the Trainers
This workshop was designed as a “train the trainer” session, meaning that the 20 healthcare professionals who participated will go on to train others in their respective fields. By creating a network of skilled trainers, APTN and Blue Diamond Society are ensuring that the knowledge and skills imparted during this workshop will reach a broader audience, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment for transgender individuals across Nepal.
We brought healthcare providers through different ways to make transgender and gender non-conforming people feel at home in their clinics, such as addressing minority stress and mental health, depathologization, informed consent, and creating an affirming and inclusive environment through gender affirming healthcare models, and HIV prevention and care.
Participants were also introduced to the different gender affirmation techniques, such as hormones, non surgical gender-affirming healthcare, and surgery options.
Looking Ahead
The success of this workshop marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote and advance trans health and rights in Nepal. By strengthening the knowledge and capacity of key stakeholders and advocates, we aim to pave the way for a future where transgender individuals can access the healthcare they need without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Conclusion
The workshop held by APTN and Blue Diamond Society in Kathmandu was more than just a training session; it was a powerful step towards building a healthcare system in Nepal that respects and uplifts transgender individuals. Through this initiative, a foundation has been laid for a future where trans healthcare is not just an afterthought but a priority, ensuring that every transgender person in Nepal can access the care they need with dignity and respect.
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