Community :: Mass Transgender Political Coalition
Transgender suicide prevention program launching in MA by Hannah Clay Wareham
Associate EditorThursday Oct 29, 2009 A first-of-its-kind coordinated effort is being launched in Massachusetts, according to the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), that will work to prevent transgender suicide.
"Transgender people and others whose gender does not conform to rigid stereotypes are at greater risk for self-harm and suicide as a result of harassment, discrimination, and violence," said Gunner Scott, executive director of the MTPC. "Day to day experiences of social disapproval, combined with experiences of being incorrectly identified for who one is, may lead to feelings of fear, anger and invisibility. These oppressive experiences lead to a disintegration of self-image and self-worth, often resulting in depression and social isolation."
The program, called The Transgender Suicide Prevention Working Group, will provide education and training for health care providers and the community at large about the high risk of suicide among the transgender community.
Working in tandem with Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach, the Group will also produce pioneering Transgender Suicide Prevention brochures on Nov. 3 in a public forum at the Department of Public Health, located at 250 Washington Street in Boston.
Hannah can be reached at hclaywareham@baywindows.com.
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