02/12/2013

Shocking Levels Of Suicide Attempts Amongst Trans Community - TENI

A report has revealed shocking levels of suicide attempt rates amongst the trans community in Ireland.

The report, by Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI), said 78% of respondents had considered suicide, and 40% of these had attempted to take their own live at least once.

The levels of self-harm reported were also disturbing, with 44% of people having self-harmed.

"These figures are a result of the widespread transphobia in our society," said TENI Director Broden Giambrone. "Trans people experienced worrying levels of violence because of their gender identity: 6% of trans people had been raped; 36% had been sexually harassed; 16% were physically assaulted and 64% were mocked or called names.

"The impact of this is that trans people and their families experience endemic levels of stress and anxiety. We found that 83% of trans people avoided public spaces due to a fear of being harassed."

The survey showed that self-harm and suicide attempt rates plummeted when people were able to transition to their true gender. "This was a really specific, positive finding," continued Giambrone. "If people are supported to become their true selves, their wellbeing and mental health improve dramatically.

"As one of the most marginalised communities in Ireland, it is encouraging to find that when appropriate health care is provided, we can make a tangible improvement in the lives of trans people and their families."

(CD/JP)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

30 November 2007
Millions Needed To Fund Suicide Prevention
Three people die everyday in Ireland as a result of suicide - a figure that represents a national crisis. As a result, €10m is needed to fund suicide prevention initiatives in the Irish Republic, a Government Watchdog has insisted.
22 March 2016
Over €56m Announced To Improve Homes Of Older People And People With Disabilities
More than €56 million has been announced for improvement works to the homes of older people and people with a disability. Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly and Minister of State for Housing & Planning, Paudie Coffey announced that €56.
11 February 2013
1 In 5 People Would Not Employ People With Epilepsy
On European Epilepsy Day today, Epilepsy Ireland released results of national consumer research conducted in January 2013 which show that nearly 20% of people if given the choice would not employ someone with epilepsy.
22 March 2016
Report Published On Well-Being Of LGBTI Community
A majority of LGBTI people aged 26 and over are "doing well, report good self-esteem and are proud of their LGBTI identity", according to a report published by LGBTIreland.
12 March 2013
100 Jobs Created By Waterford Firm
100 jobs have been created by Waterford based contact centre, Eishtec, and are showing the positions at a job fair in the city this morning. Formed in May 2011 by former TalkTalk managers, Eishtec created 250 jobs last year at its base in Cleaboy, Waterford, after landing a contract with UK-based telecommunications giant Orange.