Woman Relates Hardships Faced By A Transexual (Press, 19 June 1987)

On 19 June 1987, during a session of the Royal Commission on Social Policy, Ms Andrea Corbett, a registered nurse and transsexual woman, shared her struggles regarding societal discrimination faced by transsexual individuals in New Zealand. Despite identifying as a woman and living as one, Ms Corbett revealed that her birth certificate still bore her male name, creating significant challenges both personally and professionally. She described how her employers mandated that she dress in male attire until she could provide an amended birth certificate reflecting her female gender, an impossible requirement for her at that moment, as current laws did not permit such changes without extensive documentation and processes. She highlighted that this discrimination barred transsexual individuals from becoming independent and self-reliant members of society, as they encountered systemic roadblocks in acquiring the necessary documentation and recognition in their affirmed gender. Ms Corbett clarified that transsexualism, often misunderstood, is a legitimate medical condition known as gender dysphoria syndrome. She emphasised that no treatment has successfully changed one's gender identity, leading medical professionals to accept that the most effective means of alleviating the distress associated with gender dysphoria is through body modification, also known as sex reassignment surgery. However, she pointed out that the term “sex change” misleadingly simplifies the complex process that includes psychotherapy, hormonal therapy, and extensive evaluation by healthcare teams before any surgical intervention can take place. The portrayal of transsexual individuals in the media was also a concern for Ms Corbett. She noted that sensationalist coverage often conflated transsexuals with other groups, such as drag queens or transvestites, leading to social stigma that hindered the ability of post-operative transsexuals to live with dignity and access equal opportunities. She called for better understanding and acceptance of transsexual identity, which she asserted should not be disregarded as a form of disability. Financial burden was another significant issue she raised, citing the high costs associated with surgeries and rehabilitation processes. Many trans individuals faced expenses ranging from NZ$15,000 to NZ$20,000, plus additional costs for travel and accommodation, with insurance companies often refusing to cover these necessary medical procedures, terming them cosmetic rather than essential for health. Lastly, Ms Corbett posed a poignant question about the legal recognition of gender identity and the basic human rights of transsexual individuals. She asked whether society would allow trans individuals the happiness of marriage and social acceptance or continue to enforce unwritten norms that deny them these fundamental rights. Her testimony underscored the urgent need for societal and legal reforms to support the rights and identities of transsexual people in New Zealand.

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