Ukrainian trans people struggling to access vital healthcare: ‘We need medication and hormones’

A trans woman in Ukraine has said the community is struggling to access essential healthcare as the Russian war rages on.

Anastasiia, director of Cohort NGO, an organisation for transgender people in Ukraine, has chosen to remain in the country – though many trans people have had that choice taken away from them, and are unable to flee.

“I’m empowered by the opportunity to help people,” Anastasiia told Gaydio hosts Dave Cooper and Paris Munro.

She explained that many trans women are unable to leave because they have male gender markers in their passports. The same is true for cis queer men, and some intersex people.

When asked by Gaydio what the community needs, Anastasiia said: “We need medication [and] hormones.”

Russia has targeted hospitals and other healthcare facilities throughout its barbaric invasion, including children’s hospitals.