Today, on the occasion of the Transgender Day of Visibility, the Women and Harm Reduction International Network (WHRIN) calls attention to the specific needs of transgender and nonbinary people who use drugs and the necessity for tailored harm reduction service provision. Transgender and nonbinary people are especially at risk of harassment, stigma and discrimination at all levels of social engagement including from families, employers and when accessing conventional harm reduction services.
Transgender people who use drugs may be reluctant to access harm reduction and other essential services as a direct result of violence, stigma and discrimination. Organisations must respect the human rights and dignity of transgender people and work to ensure that trans clients feel safe to access services with the knowledge that they will be respected and that their needs will be understood by all staff. Training is required to ensure that staff are educated about the diverse experiences and specific needs of transgender communities, including the complex intersections of biological, psychological and physical health, gender and social issues. Staff must respect the personal choices of all clients however privacy and sensitivity may be especially important when working with transgender clients. With this statement are some practical tips for harm reduction providers and drug user networks to use in broadening inclusivity for transgender people
