14:30 - 18:00
Federal Social Court at Graf-Bernadotte-Platz 5, 34119 Kassel
The requirements for reimbursement by health insurance companies for operations as part of trans-specific health care are high and degrading. Gender binary and pathologizing logics in the healthcare system repeatedly lead to rejections of applications for coverage of surgical costs from trans and non-binary people – and thus prevent adequate and humane healthcare.
On Thursday, 19. October 2023 one 14:30 o'clock, the Federal Social Court in Kassel is hearing a lawsuit brought by a non-binary person to cover the costs of a mastectomy.
We call for solidarity during the process and support!
Come on from 13:30 Clock before the Federal Social Court and accompanies the proceedings as a spectator! Feel free to bring banners and TIN+ and Pride flags.
The Federal Social Court at Graf-Bernadotte-Platz 5, 34119 Kassel is approx. 10 Minutes walk from Kassel Wilhelmshöhe train station.
Afterwards we would like to take some time to finish things off together, Debrief and reflect on the process. Further details will be announced on site.
More info follow each day via a Telegram channel.
Explanation of what is happening today?
Am 19. October 2023 is to 14:30 o'clock at the Federal Social Court decided on this, whether health insurance companies provide gender reassignment surgery, who Mastectomy, have to pay for non-binary people. That this is on trial in Kassel, is the result of long battles in and out of court by us non-binary and trans people. A fundamental decision will now be made in Kassel.
Why is that so important?
The need for gender reassignment measures to treat non-binary and trans people is evidence-based medicine, the questions of empirically proven effectiveness are taken into account, generally accepted. Nevertheless, the medical service of the health insurance companies still exists, which is part of the assessment process, on a lengthy one, opaque and humiliating procedures. Each person must individually demonstrate their binary transsexuality and their individual level of suffering. Whether an application will be accepted, often depends on the goodwill of the health insurance company or expert. Wrong or too many documents are often requested and humiliating questions are asked. Applications are rejected or delayed for so long because of alleged “insufficient foundations”., until people bear the costs themselves or give up. It is hardly possible without expert help, to receive reimbursement of costs. This is causing unnecessary suffering to us trans and non-binary people and must stop.
The procedures for covering the costs of gender reassignment measures are based on binary gender stereotypes and provide fixed orders and standards “Transition steps” vor. As non-binary people, we are excluded from the possibility of having costs covered. We hardly have a chance, to receive health care, that we need. We are often not taken seriously and are forced to do so in medical contexts, our identity(s) to conceal, to pass as binary. Sometimes we are forced to take action, that we don't actually want or need.
Discrimination against us non-binary people is everyday life and has many faces. The exclusion from medical services is particularly existential, as it affects many areas of life and massively restricts self-determination regarding health.
What we demand:
- The recognition of non-binary genders in healthcare. This includes covering the costs of any necessary medical measures.
- Humane treatment of non-binary and binary trans people by health insurance companies and legislation.
- Simplified procedures for covering the costs of gender reassignment medical measures. The coalition agreement says it word for word: “The costs of gender reassignment treatments must be fully covered by the statutory health insurance.” These words must be followed by actions.
- An all-encompassing health self-determination.