Transphobic discrimination at İstanbul's Taksim Hospital
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WARNING: This article is about an incident of violence. Although it doesn't give details, it explains some events that took place. Its content may be triggering and traumatizing for those who have experienced or witnessed violence, discrimination and hatred before. |
Pelin, 32, is a trans woman living in Beyoğlu, İstanbul. She went to the Taksim Training and Research Hospital for a small surgical operation. On May 25, she was examined by general surgeon Erol K, who told her that she should undergo surgery.
He then asked Pelin her ID number and then insulted her and kicked her out of the room.
"At first, he showed interest and care. He said he would operate with local anesthesia on Friday," she told KaosGL. "He asked for a barcode. I didn't have a barcode. Then he went to the computer and asked for the last two digits of my TR ID number.
"Suddenly he started to yell. He said, 'Are you a transvestite?' When I said 'Yes,' he said, 'I'm not a transvestite doctor' and tore the papers and threw them away.
"When I said, 'You have touched and examined all over me. What's going on now?' he said, 'I wouldn't do it if I knew you were a transvestite. My hands are dirty now.' He then shouldered me and forced me out."
When Pelin left his room, the doctor continued to shout transphobic expressions behind her, according to the report. Two women security guards at the hospital also witnessed the events.
Pelin filed a complaint with the patients' rights section and the security guards confirmed her statements.
A patients' rights official talked to Pelin a day later, and referred her to another doctor, telling her that "You are right."
"You might have encountered the doctor at a nervous moment," Pelin was told.
She then filed a complaint with both the prosecutor's office and the İstanbul Medical Chamber. "I don't want privilege but I want equal treatment," she said. (EMK/VK)