The Timaru Herald
Last updated 00:48 23/01/2008
A Human Rights Commission report released last week, following an 18-month inquiry, highlighted the problems faced by transgender people.
Problems experienced by transgender children at school were singled out as particularly worrying in a report that indicated around 80 per cent of transgender people had faced some form of discrimination.
While New Zealand First deputy leader Peter Brown has slammed the study, suggesting it was a waste of time and money, it does provide valuable insights into the world of transgender people. However it's important that it be recognised that this is just one of a number of issues that can be particularly stressful for children at school.
So while the information gleaned from the inquiry should be useful in equipping school staff to deal with the transgender students they have occasion to teach, it's important that there is not an overreaction to this study, that the extent of the problems are not overstated.
In the school context, the size of the issue would be pretty small. Indeed, there would be many schools with no transgender students at a given point in time. Though obviously there would be others with several in their student body and many with one or two.
And while the problems confronting those transgender pupils are obviously all too real, there are a number of other issues that can form the basis for the same cruel brand of abuse and harassment and leave the students subjected to that treatment with psychological scars.
Obesity, the colour of one's skin, the colour of one's hair, if it happens to be ginger, one's physical stature, intelligence, sporting prowess, physical appearance and even socio-economic background are all areas that can be the source of problems for individuals or groups, and there will be many more.
When a particular issue arises with a transgender student, the approach to solving that issue should be no different to the approach to any of the other areas mentioned. It should be recognised as a problem and handled sensitively and carefully, but not elevated above other issues which are just as deep and potentially damaging for those they affect.
It seems unlikely transgender kids would want, for example, the issue to be highlighted to the extent that separate toilet and changing facilities are built for them, but they would almost certainly appreciate some recognition given to the embarrassment they might suffer in that regard and have it addressed by being able to use the staff facilities.