Being transgender in Belgium : mapping the social and legal situation

J. Motmans, I. de Biolley, S. Debunne

The aim of this study is to map the social situation of transgender people and to look at possible problems and discrimination experienced by this target group. More specifically, it attempts to provide an answer to the following research questions: 1. Which concepts or terminology relating to transgender people can be used in the Belgian context to best describe the target group? We will focus on the two national languages (Dutch and French). 2. How can the target group be best defined? Is it possible to accurately estimate the number of transgender people? 3. What problems and discrimination are experienced by the target group in the areas for which the federal government has responsibity (e.g. work and employment, health care, justice and social security)? What are the main problems in the Community and Regional Authorities (e.g. education and training, and housing policy)? 4. What are the policies relating to this target group? Are there specific policies operating in certain areas that are relevant to transgender people (social security system, social benefits, health care, etc.)? What are the problems or weaknesses in those policies? What are the practices of institutions in, for example, the banking and insurance sector, advice and support centres, etc., in relation to the target group?