National program for networking first and second level help desks for transgender people
As with other services for our community, Arcigay is often the only LGBTI organization in the area. This also applies to many people who are considering or are already transitioning.
The system of services for issues related to gender identity in Italy today is structured on several levels. The level closest to the users, yet most structured, is based on a few centers run by associations that offer, in addition to initial reception services, various types of basic counseling to begin the transition process (psychological counseling, health counseling, legal counseling, medical counseling, and endocrinology counseling, either through a licensed or local health authority). These centers often also organize other activities for trans people and their families, such as support, discussion, and access to employment and training. These services are distributed unevenly across the country., and are only present in some regions, leaving large areas and many regions completely uncovered. These centers also act as liaisons with the hospitals where sex reassignment surgeries are performed.
Unfortunately This territorial heterogeneity means that trans people often have to literally emigrate from many areas of Italy, not only to receive adequate assistance during the transition process, but often also just for initial information and guidance on what and how to do, where to go, who to contact, etc.
Arcigay currently provides assistance services directly or indirectly through other associations and in collaboration with them, in two cities: Salerno (directly) and Padua (thanks to the PINK SAT service at Arcigay Padova).
The InfoTrans program aims to become a stable national program with the aim of reducing the discomfort linked to the territorial dispersion of services for trans people. The program's goal is therefore:
1) build a network of initial information and orientation desks (first level), that is, structuring and training the majority of Arcigay committees so that they are able to provide first-level services, such as low-threshold help desks where trans people in Italy can access information and initial guidance.
2) expand the network of structured consultancy offices (second level), that is, investing in the establishment, especially in areas lacking more structured support services, of centers equipped to provide basic services to begin the transition process, building on the experience gained with the SportelloTrans project in Salerno and the collaboration with SAT PINK in Padua. The targeted areas would be those where neither Arcigay nor other LGBTI organizations currently provide services.
The final goal is to to establish a broad network of first-level branches connected to a smaller but better distributed network of second-level services across the country (Arcigay and others), in order to provide a concrete response to the needs of trans people throughout the country.
InfoTrans currently does not have funding for further implementation. The second-level counter in Salerno was tested and structured thanks to the SportelloTrans project, funded by UNAR.
