We are a part of the vibrant, resilient, but often ignored, transgender and gender diverse community in Trinidad and Tobago. The consistent exclusion of our community from health policy decisions has deeply affected our lives, as the Ministry of Health refuses to acknowledge our existence. This exclusion has not only stripped us of our dignity but has also denied us access to healthcare services that we, as Trinbagonian citizens, should have.

Though accurate data is lacking due to the Ministry's lack of recognition, transgender and gender diverse individuals face disproportionate health disparities. Transgender people have a higher risk of mental health issues due to stigma and social ostracization and face worse health outcomes when dealing with a healthcare system that lacks trauma-informed and stigma free services. This is made worse by the lack of targeted healthcare services caused by non-recognition within health policies. Transgender and gender diverse people have very specific health needs, such as gender affirming healthcare, that cannot be met if the population goes unacknowledged.

We call upon the Ministry of Health to end this blatant disregard for our humanity, acknowledge our existence, and incorporate our needs into the national health policy. Sign this petition to demand inclusion and recognition for Transgender and Gender Diverse Trinbagonians.