Aurum POP INN’s Gender-Affirming Healthcare: Supporting Trans Women in South Africa

Gender-affirming healthcare plays a crucial role in the lives of transgender individuals, helping them align their gender identity with their legal documents.

The Aurum POP INN clinics in South Africa are making significant strides in this area by offering comprehensive support to transgender women (TGW) through their Gender-Affirming Healthcare (GAHC) model.

Understanding Gender Marker Changes

Gender marker change is the process of officially altering the gender designation on legal documents to reflect an individual’s affirmed gender identity. This is essential not only for accessing services and avoiding discrimination but also for affirming one’s identity in daily life. In South Africa, the Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act (Act No. 49 of 2003) allows individuals to change the sex recorded on their identity documents.

This includes those whose sexual characteristics have naturally evolved or who have undergone medical treatment resulting in gender reassignment. The process currently requires two medical reports: one from the doctor who administered or has experience in such treatment and another from an independent doctor who has examined the applicant to establish their gender.

A Commitment to Transgender Health

Since 2019, the Aurum POP INN clinics, funded by the CDC, have been providing HIV prevention and care services to men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women. The clinics operate in five districts: Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, eThekwini, Ehlanzeni, and uMgungundlovu. Over the years, the program has significantly improved the health of its target population by offering comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite the success of these services, the program identified challenges in reaching transgender women, particularly regarding gender marker changes. Many transgender women face financial difficulties and time constraints that hinder their ability to complete gender marker applications. To address these challenges, the Aurum POP INN introduced the GAHC model in October 2022. This patient-centred approach supports transgender women throughout their journey, recognising and affirming their gender identity.

The GAHC model includes the assistance of in-house social workers who have established relationships with the Department of Home Affairs. Once transgender women are ready and approved by medical doctors, they are referred for gender marker changes. This process involves ongoing monthly support and monitoring by social workers and medical professionals.

Progress and Impact

Since the introduction of the GAHC model, 140 transgender women across the five districts have initiated hormone therapy. Of these, over 80 have received gender marker letters and have been referred to Home Affairs for updating their gender markers. The breakdown of gender marker activities across the districts shows that progress has been made, but challenges remain. For instance, in the Tshwane district, 39 gender marker letters have been issued, and one have resulted in successful gender marker changes.

Empowering Transgender Women is Key

Despite the progress, financial constraints remain a significant barrier for many transgender women seeking to change their gender markers. Many are unemployed and rely on family support, a situation often exacerbated by workplace discrimination and stigma.

To overcome these challenges, it is essential to empower transgender women through education and self-esteem building. Additionally, sensitising Home Affairs personnel to the unique issues faced by the transgender community is crucial.

The Aurum POP INN’s Gender-Affirming Healthcare model is a vital step towards helping transgender women in South Africa live authentically and with dignity. As the program continues to grow, it aims to further empower and support transgender women in achieving and being recognised as their true selves.

 

If you are in the Tshwane, Ehlanzeni, Ethekwini, Ekurhuleni, and Umgungundlovu areas, Pop Inn offers free sexual health services to men who have sex with men and transgender women including counselling, screening for HIV, STIs, and TB, provision of PrEP or ART, and psycho-social support. For contact details for your nearest Pop Inn location, click to https://popinn.org/locations.