Debate - Saúde Mental da população trans

Discussion on Mental Health of Trans Population

Introduction to the Debate

• The session begins with greetings to attendees and acknowledgment of psychologists who regularly follow the Federal Council of Psychology's broadcasts.

• Ana Sandra Fernandes, a psychologist and current president of the Federal Council of Psychology, introduces herself and expresses joy in participating in the debate.

Significance of Trans Visibility Day

• The discussion is organized to coincide with Trans Visibility Day, celebrated on January 29, emphasizing its importance for trans individuals in Brazilian society.

• The aim is to address mental health issues faced by the trans population through professional practice and dialogue with civil society.

Professional Guidelines and Resolutions

• Discussion includes Resolution CFP 01/2018, which guides psychologists against pathologizing trans identities.

• The resolution highlights societal prejudices affecting mental health and emphasizes the need for professionals to understand these dynamics.

Historical Context and Developments

• The resolution was pioneering as it preceded WHO's decision in 2009 to remove transgender identity from mental disorder classifications.

• In 2018, transgender identity was reclassified under sexual health conditions rather than mental disorders.

Resources for Psychologists

• A dedicated website (despatologização.org.br) provides resources for psychologists regarding de-pathologization efforts.

• Inclusion of social names for trans professionals on their psychology licenses was unanimously approved by the council in 2017.

Advocacy and Publications

• The council also supports initiatives like a book documenting LGBT experiences related to societal violence and psychological treatment challenges.

• This publication compiles personal testimonies highlighting struggles against prejudice, injustice, and exclusion faced by LGBT individuals.

Conclusion of Opening Remarks

• Ana Sandra concludes her introduction by stating that today's meeting aims to spark further discussions rather than exhaust topics.

Discussion on Human Rights and Trans Issues in Psychology

Introduction to the Event

• The speaker emphasizes that the opinions shared do not necessarily reflect the position of the Federal Council of Psychology.

• The event is being broadcast live on various platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, with a recording available for later viewing.

Poetry as a Prelude to Discussion

• Arthur Sampaio is invited to read a poem that addresses themes of loss and resilience within marginalized communities.

• The poem reflects on societal indifference towards violence against marginalized individuals, emphasizing their humanity and resistance.

Guest Speaker Introduction

• Jesus Moura, a member of the Human Rights Commission at the Federal Council of Psychology, is introduced as a key speaker. She has extensive experience in psychology focusing on racial relations and prejudice.

• Moura identifies herself as a Black woman who has been involved in human rights advocacy within psychology since 2017. She highlights her commitment to addressing issues faced by trans individuals.

Addressing Trans Rights in Psychology

• Moura discusses the historical context of psychological practices concerning trans individuals, noting an obligation to advocate for their rights within professional settings.

• Resolution 01/2018 was established to enhance understanding among psychologists regarding trans realities and ensure better support for these communities. This resolution aims to address specific needs related to gender identity and expression.

Campaign Against Hate Speech

• The commission launched a campaign titled "No Hate Speech," asserting that psychology does not condone hate speech or discrimination against any group, particularly targeting trans populations affected by online violence.

• Despite efforts through regional discussions about violence against trans people, Moura acknowledges that more effective responses are needed from the commission regarding these issues.

Publication on LGBT Experiences

• A publication titled "Attempted Annihilation: Subjectivity of LGBTs" was produced based on interviews with individuals who experienced violence related to their identities; it aims to provide real narratives rather than theoretical concepts about LGBTQ+ experiences.

Addressing Inadequate Treatment of LGBT Individuals

Overview of Actions and Publications

• Discussion on inadequate treatment towards individuals, particularly within the LGBT community, highlighting various actions such as lectures and workshops conducted across regions.

• Reference to a publication titled "Psychology, Transvestism, Sexualities: Ethical Psychological Commitments of De-pathologization," developed by the Regional Psychology Council of Santa Catarina, available on their website.

Focus on De-pathologization in Psychology

• Emphasis that psychology should not pathologize individuals; instead, it should focus on understanding diverse identities without viewing them through a lens of illness.

• Importance of higher education institutions as allies in fostering discussions about diverse identities during the training of psychology professionals.

Case Study: Support for Women Affected by Violence

• Mention of a new service aimed at supporting women affected by violence under the Maria da Penha law; concerns raised about misgendering in professional contexts.

• Reflection on the need for ongoing education and understanding within the psychological community regarding gender identity and support for diverse populations.

The Role of Human Rights Committees

Advocacy for Trans Rights

• Highlighting the role of human rights committees in advocating for access to employment opportunities for transgender individuals.

• Discussion around psychological evaluation practices that need to be inclusive and supportive towards transgender people entering the workforce.

Introduction to Beth Fernandes

Background Information

• Introduction to Beth Fernandes, a trans woman psychologist with extensive experience working with transgender populations since 2004.

• Overview of her roles including president of an NGO focused on trans issues and coordinator for projects addressing trafficking.

Perspectives from Activism and Psychology

Intersectionality in Discourse

• Beth emphasizes her dual role as both an activist and psychologist, bringing unique insights into discussions about mental health among transgender individuals.

• Provocation regarding what constitutes health; stresses that existence is fundamental before one can discuss health outcomes.

Visibility and Existence

• Connection made between visibility during Trans Visibility Week and acknowledging the existence of trans individuals beyond societal narratives focused solely on death or suffering.

Historical Context and Current Challenges

Evolution of Understanding Homosexuality

• Discussion about historical perceptions where homosexuality was classified as a disease; highlights progress made but also acknowledges ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities today.

Discussion on Trans Rights and Mental Health

Historical Context of Trans Rights in Brazil

• The speaker highlights the recent nature of discussions surrounding trans rights, referencing a resolution from 2018 that shifted the perception of trans individuals away from being viewed as pathological.

• Emphasizes Brazil's alarming statistic as the country with the highest murder rate of trans individuals, prompting a call for more robust public policies.

Societal Exclusion and Its Consequences

• Discusses how many trans individuals are subjectively expelled from their homes, leading to a lack of public policy addressing their needs, particularly regarding housing.

• Points out that educational institutions also contribute to this exclusion by not recognizing or accommodating social names, which can lead to psychological distress.

Psychological Impact and Public Policy

• The absence of supportive public policies results in significant mental health issues among trans populations, including depression and anxiety stemming from societal rejection.

• Highlights that over 90% of trans individuals struggle with housing instability and educational attainment, contributing to widespread psychological distress.

Employment Challenges and Stigmatization

• Addresses the challenges faced by trans individuals in securing formal employment due to societal stigma; often resorting to sex work as a means of survival.

• Discusses how experiences of violence against trans people further exacerbate mental health issues like depression and suicidal ideation.

Call for Action in Mental Health Policies

• Urges professionals in psychology to advocate for comprehensive public policies that recognize and address the unique challenges faced by the trans community.

Discussion on Health and Identity in Marginalized Communities

The Role of Public Policy in Existence

• Discussion on the dismantling of conservatism affecting public health services for marginalized populations, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies.

• Reflection on the existence of marginalized groups, particularly focusing on intersectionality (race, disability) that hinders their access to public policies.

Psychological Well-being and Existence

• Emphasis on the importance of psychological well-being as a guarantee for the existence of marginalized individuals within society.

• Acknowledgment of professionals (psychologists, lawyers) advocating for mental health support while questioning systemic guarantees for their own well-being.

Insights from Júlio Pires

• Introduction to Júlio Pires, a trans woman and activist who highlights her role in psychology and advocacy within gender diversity committees.

• Recognition that health production for transgender individuals is contingent upon societal acknowledgment of their identities.

Personal Experiences and Challenges

• Júlio shares her journey as a first-generation college graduate in psychology from a marginalized background, stressing the significance of familial support.

• Discussion about her thesis focused on including trans women under domestic violence laws (Maria da Penha), highlighting gaps in legal protections.

Violence and Mental Health Implications

• Examination of how homelessness among trans individuals exacerbates issues related to domestic violence recognition.

• Insight into normalization of domestic violence within communities, making it difficult for trans women to recognize their experiences as abusive.

Institutional Barriers to Support

• Analysis of how family rejection leads to declining mental health among trans individuals due to loss of support systems.

• Discussion about challenges faced by trans people in educational settings regarding acceptance and recognition by peers and institutions.

Systemic Issues in Healthcare Access

• Exploration of societal labels placed on trans women that affect their interactions with healthcare providers and contribute to stigma.

Discussion on Violence and Rights of Trans Individuals

The Impact of Violence on Trans Individuals

• The speaker emphasizes that trans individuals often suffer violence in silence, highlighting the historical context of violence they face.

• It is noted that professionals, particularly psychologists, must understand the ethical implications surrounding gender identity and self-determination when working with trans clients.

Professional Responsibilities and Ethical Considerations

• Psychologists are urged to treat trans individuals with dignity and respect, moving beyond a mere clinical approach to genuinely understanding their experiences.

• There is a recognition of systemic challenges within multidisciplinary teams in providing adequate support for women facing domestic violence.

Barriers to Seeking Help

• Many trans individuals refrain from seeking help due to past negative experiences and a lack of hope for better treatment.

• The discussion highlights societal ignorance about trans issues, especially in marginalized communities where awareness is limited.

Rights and Recognition

• The speaker argues that the demands made by trans individuals are not extra rights but rather basic human rights that should be afforded to all genders.

• There is an emphasis on the need for trained professionals who can adequately support trans individuals in healthcare settings.

Professional Representation and Advocacy

• The composition of the panel represents diverse professional backgrounds, showcasing qualified individuals ready to address various needs within the community.

• A call is made for greater acceptance of body autonomy among trans people, stressing that surgeries should not define their humanity or rights.

Mapping Professionals in Psychology

• There’s a need to identify and promote visibility for transgender psychologists within Brazil's vast psychological field.

• Encouragement is given for all professionals, regardless of gender identity, to assert their place in society as equals deserving respect.

Final Reflections

• The speaker concludes with a call for ongoing dialogue about these issues while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share insights.

Discussion on Mental Health and Trans Rights

The Role of Psychology in Addressing Mental Health

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of discussing mental health within the context of psychology, highlighting a current struggle against strong conservatism affecting the profession.

• A progressive stance is advocated, aligning with human rights and ethical codes, particularly regarding the treatment of transgender individuals in psychological practice.

Recognition and Self-Determination

• The discussion points to a new approach for psychologists in Brazil to support transgender individuals, emphasizing self-determination as crucial for their identity recognition.

• It is highlighted that psychologists are now invited to legitimize self-determination through formal assessments, marking a significant shift in professional responsibilities.

Personal Experiences and Challenges

• The speaker shares a personal anecdote about an impactful event related to mental health discussions among transgender individuals, illustrating societal challenges faced by this community.

• A troubling incident involving mockery towards a transgender person underscores the stigma and ridicule prevalent in society, complicating conversations around mental health.

Education and Training Gaps

• There is concern over inadequate training for healthcare professionals regarding gender identity and sexuality, which affects their ability to provide appropriate care for transgender patients.

• The speaker reflects on their experience in multidisciplinary health teams where many professionals lacked basic understanding of gender issues, prompting calls for better education.

Reforming Psychological Education

• A critical view is presented on how current educational frameworks fail to prepare psychologists adequately for addressing the needs of transgender clients.

• Emphasis is placed on the need for political awareness within psychological training programs to ensure future professionals can effectively support diverse populations.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Directions

• The conversation highlights ongoing challenges in reforming educational practices while also addressing existing practitioners' needs for continued learning about gender diversity.

Understanding Trans Experiences and Mental Health

The Weight of Identity

• The phrase "I was born in the wrong body" is frequently heard among trans individuals, highlighting a significant struggle with identity.

• This statement carries immense weight, as it reflects the daily violence and normative discourse that trans people endure, impacting their mental health.

Collective Impact of Violence

• Homicides and suicides among trans individuals are not isolated incidents; they reflect broader societal issues.

• Discussions around these topics should extend beyond individual experiences to consider collective implications on the lives of trans people.

Introduction of Daniel Coelho

• Daniel Coelho, a trans man and clinical psychologist from Pernambuco, is introduced as a key speaker at the event.

• He emphasizes the importance of having professionals who understand trans experiences discussing mental health openly.

Importance of Representation

• Daniel expresses gratitude for being part of an event focused on mental health for the trans population, noting its uniqueness in bringing together specialists.

• He shares his personal journey in learning to speak about his identity and professional role amidst societal expectations.

Addressing Mental Health Concerns

• Quoting Gloria Anzaldúa, he discusses the necessity of rewriting narratives that have been historically marginalized or misrepresented.

• Daniel highlights the significance of sharing stories from within the community rather than allowing others to define them.

Community Engagement and Feedback

• Prior to his talk, he reviewed comments from event promotions to gauge public interest in mental health topics related to psychology for trans individuals.

• He notes concerns regarding how psychological associations should also prioritize mental health support for psychologists themselves.

Professional Responsibilities

• Daniel stresses that while advocating for rights within psychology, it's crucial to address the well-being of professionals working with marginalized communities.

Historical Context in Psychology

• He references discussions from 2018 regarding human rights within psychology and acknowledges ongoing challenges faced by practitioners at various levels.

Policy Updates and Rights

• Emphasizes recent resolutions that protect social name usage and bathroom access for transgender individuals within professional settings.

Workshop Insights

Discussion on Psychology and Trans Experiences

The Role of Poetry in Psychological Reflection

• A poem was introduced that emerged from a technique used to discuss personal lives and experiences within psychology, highlighting the connection between poetry and psychological reflection.

Visibility and Prejudice in Psychology

• The poem addresses themes of visibility, prejudice, and the emotional turmoil faced by individuals, particularly focusing on how societal views can reduce people to mere physical attributes.

Employment Challenges for Trans Individuals

• Discussion on the ongoing issue of unemployment among trans individuals, even those who are educated and hold degrees in psychology. This highlights systemic barriers faced by qualified professionals.

• Emphasis on the lack of job security for newly graduated trans psychologists, raising concerns about their employability in a field that often overlooks their qualifications.

Standardization and Care in Psychology

• Critique of how bodies are standardized within psychological practices, suggesting that historically, care has been misrepresented as control or guardianship rather than genuine support.

Anti-Transphobia Initiatives

• Call for an anti-transphobic stance within psychology education and practice, encouraging both students and professionals to resist marginalization while affirming their existence.

Final Thoughts from Participants

Importance of Open Dialogue

• Recognition of the valuable insights shared during discussions; participants express a desire to continue exploring these topics despite time constraints.

Engagement with Audience Questions

• Invitation for audience members to submit questions or comments to be addressed later due to the format's limitations on live interaction.

Acknowledgment of Young Voices

• Appreciation expressed for young voices discussing challenges faced by trans psychologists; emphasis on rethinking conservative approaches within psychology.

Addressing Systemic Issues in Mental Health

Research Contributions from Trans Brasil Network

• Mention of a dossier created by Trans Brasil addressing various issues affecting trans individuals beyond mortality rates, including systemic discrimination across regions.

Focus on Incarcerated Trans Individuals

• Highlighting research focused on incarcerated trans individuals' mental health struggles; raises awareness about conditions they face compared to those outside prison systems.

Ongoing Violence Against Marginalized Groups

• Discussion about violence against marginalized groups within society; emphasizes the need for continued advocacy regarding mental health issues related to this violence.

Reflections on Educational Barriers

Challenges Within Academic Settings

• Insights into educational barriers encountered by future psychologists; acknowledgment that many discussions around diversity are often neglected in academic curricula.

Commitment to Diversity in Education

Discussion on Gender Identity and Professional Responsibility

Importance of Inclusive Learning

• The responsibility for learning about diverse sexual orientations and gender identities is shared among all professionals, not just those who identify as trans. This collective understanding is crucial for effective practice in psychology.

Addressing Racial and Social Justice

• Emphasizing the need for strategies that support the black community within psychological practices highlights a broader commitment to social justice, indicating that psychology must advocate for all individuals, regardless of their specific struggles.

Acknowledgment of Unseen Contributions

• Recognition of those who support discussions from behind the scenes is vital; it emphasizes the collaborative nature of advocacy work in psychology and acknowledges contributions that may go unnoticed.

Call to Action for Professionals

• There’s a strong emphasis on moving beyond criticism towards active participation in creating change within professional organizations, suggesting that constructive engagement is necessary for growth in both councils and social movements.

Building Community Among Psychologists

• The formation of a national articulation group specifically for trans psychologists reflects an important step toward solidarity and mutual support among professionals facing similar challenges in their practice. This group has grown significantly since its inception, showcasing its relevance and impact.

The Role of Support Networks

Energizing Collaboration

• Being surrounded by fellow trans professionals can enhance resilience and mental health, suggesting that community plays a critical role in coping with societal pressures faced by these individuals.

Utilizing Social Media for Connection

• The use of platforms like Instagram to foster connections among peers indicates an innovative approach to building networks within the psychological community, allowing more people to engage with resources and support systems effectively.

Continuing Conversations on Mental Health Challenges

Highlighting Critical Issues

• Discussions around high rates of suicidal thoughts among men underscore the urgency of addressing mental health issues within marginalized communities; this serves as a call to action for ongoing dialogue about these pressing concerns.

Commitment to Advocacy

Health and Citizenship: A Call to Action

The Importance of Listening to Struggles

• Emphasizes the significance of hearing from individuals actively fighting for their existence, highlighting the resilience and determination of those involved in social struggles.

• Stresses that discussions about health, particularly mental health, cannot occur without addressing the need for dignified citizenship conditions for all people.

Collective Efforts in Advocacy

• Calls for unity among all participants in the fight for rights and dignity, reinforcing a collective commitment to advocacy efforts.