In the current day and age, there are many gender diverse individuals who face challenges and difficulties when it comes to expressing their true identity due to the prevalence of social norms. While most people may have grown up being assigned a specific gender at birth based on their physical characteristics, some individuals may feel that they do not identify with this assigned gender. This can result in them experiencing various forms of violence and discrimination, which may be intensified if they live below the poverty line. When someone lives in poverty, they are often more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse because they lack access to resources and support systems that would help protect them from harm. As such, intersection with poverty amplifies risks for gender-diverse individuals, making it even harder for them to safely express themselves and live authentically.
One example of how intersection with poverty exacerbates violence and discrimination for gender-diverse individuals is through the lack of economic stability. Those living in poverty may find themselves in situations where they must accept jobs or relationships that put them at risk of danger in order to survive.
A transgender woman may be forced into sex work due to financial hardship, increasing her chances of becoming a victim of violence.
Poverty often leads to poor housing conditions, making it difficult for gender-diverse individuals to maintain privacy and safety in their homes. Without proper shelter, they may be forced to sleep on the streets or share rooms with others, putting them at increased risk of assault or harassment.
Another way poverty affects gender-diverse individuals is by limiting access to healthcare services. Many medical providers have biases against gender diverse patients and may refuse to provide appropriate care or treatment. This can make it challenging for these individuals to get the necessary care they need to stay safe and healthy, especially when it comes to reproductive health, hormone therapy, and mental health services.
Those who cannot afford these treatments may resort to unsafe methods like black market drugs or self-medication, which can lead to serious health complications.
Poverty can also create barriers to education and job opportunities, further isolating gender-diverse individuals from support networks and resources. As such, many of them are unable to obtain an education or enter the workforce, leading to fewer employment options and higher levels of unemployment. This makes it more likely that they will remain below the poverty line and face additional risks associated with this status.
In addition to violence, poverty can also result in discrimination and marginalization for gender-diverse individuals. They may experience lower wages, less opportunity for advancement, and limited access to social services due to prejudice and bias. This can make it difficult for them to secure basic needs such as food, housing, and clothing, making their lives even harder than they already are.
The intersection between poverty and gender diversity creates a dangerous cycle of vulnerability, leaving individuals exposed to multiple forms of harm. The lack of economic stability, adequate housing, and healthcare puts them at increased risk of violence, exploitation, and discrimination, while simultaneously making it more difficult for them to seek help when needed. Without adequate protection and support, gender-diverse individuals living below the poverty line are left to navigate life alone, often experiencing trauma, stress, and mental health issues as a result. It is crucial that society works towards addressing these issues by providing support systems for those who need them most.
How does intersection with poverty amplify risks of violence and discrimination for gender-diverse individuals?
Gender diversity refers to an individual's expression of their gender identity that does not conform to traditional binary classifications of male or female. The term encompasses transgender, nonbinary, intersex, agender, genderfluid, bigender, pangender, genderqueer, and other identities (Fletcher & Rider, 2017).