Intersectionality and the Invisibility of Transgender Health in the Philippines

Abstract The vulnerability of the Filipino LGBTQI + community to health problems is disproportionately experienced by trans Filipinos. Because of the institutional prejudice and discrimination against trans Filipinos in Philippine society, an intersectional approach presents an opportunity to analyze the invisibility and potentially elucidate the unique health needs of trans Filipinos. This paper reviews the literature to elucidate how the invisibility of trans Filipinos in health is a product of co-existing and interacting prejudiced and discriminatory institutions, such as the law, education, and medicine, where the historical experiences of colonization, the hegemony of cisgenderism, and the impact of capitalism remain salient. By elucidating these co-existing and interacting structures and forces, the gaps in Philippine healthcare system are surfaced. In light of this, recommendations for future research and policy work are made vis-à-vis creating and cultivating a more trans inclusive and responsive healthcare system in the Philippines.