170.
In addition to that, 23 respondents shared that they had attempted suicide with
22 of them informing that they had attempted suicide between 1 to 5 times.
The table 28 below shows the number of suicidal attempt by the respondents:
Frequency
TW
TM
Intersex
Table 28: Suicidal attempts by respondents
One time
8
3
4
1
Two times
8
5
3
0
Three times
3
2
1
0
Four times
2
1
0
1
Five times
1
1
0
0
Item
Note:
TW: Trans women (69 persons), TM: Trans men (29 persons), Intersex: 2 persons
171.
The gap between the number of respondents who was voluntarily seeking for
mental health services with number of respondents that experienced mental
health issues were very vast. Majority of the respondents had experienced
one or more various mental health issues but not all seeking help from the
mental health professional but then were severely affected i.e. some of them
experienced suicidal ideation, self-harm and suicidal attempts – 3 respondents
had shared they use drugs to cope with the mental health issues.
172.
Looking at the scenario, competent mental health professionals in dealing
with gender dysphoria and its related concerns is surely needed. At the same
time, the access to seek for mental health services should be made available
and affordable. Transgender persons would not or are unable to seek mental
health services if the cost are unreasonable, if there was a lack of competent
mental health professional around, if trans special health needs services are
not available and medical professional are insensitive. In addition, stigma about
mental health problem dissuade many from seeking medical help.
173.
During an interview, a trans woman shared that she was advised by a mental
health professional to experience sex with a sex worker to deal with her gender
identity. The mental health professional asked her to reclaim her masculinity
and told her that she had an identity crisis due to her mixed-race lineage. She
further explained that the mental health professional had a stereotype against
trans woman and expected her to confirm to the stereotype. It took her 8 years
to find more supportive services for her needs.
174.
When the respondents were asked based on their experience what are the
gaps in the health care system in relation to healthcare needs of transgender
76
| Report On Transgender Persons In KL And Selangor