Impact of the Gender Identity Law in Argentinean transgender women

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: In May 2012, collective efforts led to the enactment of a Gender Identity Law in Argentina. This is a particularly progressive law, based on human rights principles, as it is the first in the world to recognize a person's gender identity without any preconditions. However, studies that evaluate its impact on the transgender community (positive outcomes as well as barriers to implementation) have been scant. Thus, the following study investigated the impact of the implementation of the Argentinean Gender Identity Law on the living conditions, plus it explored stigma and discrimination (S&D) experiences of transgender women. Method: Two focus groups, with 20 transgender women, were conducted. Recordings were transcribed and a thematic analysis of the transcripts was performed according to the following categories: general perceived impact of the Law, work and education, security and civil rights, health services, and perceived differences among regions and provinces. Results: After the Law's enactment, participants mostly perceived positive changes, in general, and in particular domains such as education, health care, work, security, and civil rights. A general empowering effect on the community can be inferred. However, barriers to full implementation were identified, both internal and subjective (age, internalized stigma) and external (lack of trained professionals and public servants, reluctance to implementation in conservative provinces). Discussion: This study provides the first evaluation of the implementation and impact of the Gender Identity Law in Argentina from the point of view of transgender women. The empowering effect and the improvements achieved provide preliminary information on the importance of adopting this type of policy. Additionally, the barriers to be overcome and recommendations for the future are discussed.