New Research on the Situation of Transgender People in Russia
The ban on gender transition introduced in Russia in 2023 has had far-reaching consequences for transgender individuals, significantly worsening their access to essential legal and medical services. Trans people are now facing a range of barriers, including legal challenges, economic hardship, psychological strain, and increasing pressure from both society and the state.
One of the most urgent problems is the restricted access to medical services, especially hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries. Most respondents report that hormonal medications have become unavailable or difficult to access, with many forced to obtain them illegally, risking their health and safety. Medical consultations have also become less accessible, as many doctors fear professional repercussions due to pressure from state authorities. For many transgender people, the loss of access to gender-affirming care has been devastating, worsening gender dysphoria and severely impacting mental health.
According to a survey conducted by the LGBTQ+ organization “Vykhod” (Coming Out) between July 8 and September 24, 2024, many transgender individuals now view emigration as the only way out of the crisis.
However, despite the desire to leave, only a few have the actual means to do so.
Financial limitations, lack of visa opportunities, and fear of the unknown stop many from relocating, while repressive legislation continues to worsen their situation inside Russia.
Many transgender people have also faced serious difficulties in changing gender markers in official documents. After the May 2023 bill banning gender transition was introduced, a wave of people rushed to update their documents, fearing harsher restrictions.
But the process proved difficult due to bureaucratic hurdles, errors in paperwork, and transphobic behavior by staff at MFC (Multifunctional Centers) and other state institutions.
For many, the experience was stressful and humiliating.
Those who didn’t manage to change their documents before the ban now have to fight through the courts or turn to human rights organizations, often facing delays and denials by the legal system.
Meanwhile, some transgender people who were able to access support abroad, in countries such as Italy or Israel, report positive changes in their lives. They highlight the availability of medical care and the relatively easy process of updating documents in those countries.
In conclusion, the ban on gender transition has led to a severe deterioration in the living conditions of transgender people in Russia. Restrictions on rights, lack of access to medical and legal assistance, and growing social and state repression have created a hostile and dangerous environment for them.
The situation demands urgent attention and action to protect the basic rights to life and health for transgender people in Russia.
One of the most urgent problems is the restricted access to medical services, especially hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries. Most respondents report that hormonal medications have become unavailable or difficult to access, with many forced to obtain them illegally, risking their health and safety. Medical consultations have also become less accessible, as many doctors fear professional repercussions due to pressure from state authorities. For many transgender people, the loss of access to gender-affirming care has been devastating, worsening gender dysphoria and severely impacting mental health.
According to a survey conducted by the LGBTQ+ organization “Vykhod” (Coming Out) between July 8 and September 24, 2024, many transgender individuals now view emigration as the only way out of the crisis.
However, despite the desire to leave, only a few have the actual means to do so.
Financial limitations, lack of visa opportunities, and fear of the unknown stop many from relocating, while repressive legislation continues to worsen their situation inside Russia.
Many transgender people have also faced serious difficulties in changing gender markers in official documents. After the May 2023 bill banning gender transition was introduced, a wave of people rushed to update their documents, fearing harsher restrictions.
But the process proved difficult due to bureaucratic hurdles, errors in paperwork, and transphobic behavior by staff at MFC (Multifunctional Centers) and other state institutions.
For many, the experience was stressful and humiliating.
Those who didn’t manage to change their documents before the ban now have to fight through the courts or turn to human rights organizations, often facing delays and denials by the legal system.
Meanwhile, some transgender people who were able to access support abroad, in countries such as Italy or Israel, report positive changes in their lives. They highlight the availability of medical care and the relatively easy process of updating documents in those countries.
In conclusion, the ban on gender transition has led to a severe deterioration in the living conditions of transgender people in Russia. Restrictions on rights, lack of access to medical and legal assistance, and growing social and state repression have created a hostile and dangerous environment for them.
The situation demands urgent attention and action to protect the basic rights to life and health for transgender people in Russia.