The Inquiry recognised that both gender identity and its expression can vary significantly and as such, the report adopted ‘trans’ as a generic term.
Other terms that can be used include the following:[2] It was found that trans people face difficulties when accessing the same general health services as other individuals.
Trans children and young people are faced with the challenge of being dependent on others (such as parents, caregivers and teachers) to protect their human rights and to ensure that they have role models and support.
“Inability to access public toilets had a major, daily impact.”[6] The Inquiry found that an issue for trans people often centres around official documentation; “documents that accord with a trans person’s gender identity affirm their dignity and secure participation as equal citizens.” [7] While a case has been submitted for trans people to be able to obtain documents that reflect their gender identity, the Inquiry states, “the process for changing sex details on official documents should be simplified to reflect the reality.”[8] The Inquiry considers that the current law provides an adequate framework both for trans people to assert their rights to privacy of personal information and for agencies holding such information to respect these rights.
However, inconsistencies in practice and the importance of these issues to trans people indicate that it would be useful to have resources that dealt specifically with how current laws apply to personal information about them.
Trans people are, therefore, entitled to respect for and protection and promotion of their human rights on the same basis as everyone else.” The HRC has a continuing role to play in implementing the Transgender Inquiry to galvanise the impetus for change that has been generated.
The Commission's specific role includes providing human rights education on issues for trans people and facilitating dialogues.