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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 January 2025
Introduction
In 2020, the European Commission published the ‘LGBTIQ equality strategy 2020– 2025’, which calls on member states to strengthen legal rights and protections for transgender people (as a part of the LGBTIQ umbrella term). The strategy involves dealing with discrimination against this part of the population, ensuring their direct safety as well as forming inclusive societies. The strategy is important given that it is reported that trans people experience substantial discrimination, vulnerabilities and internalised stigma. This seems to be especially true for older trans adults (Vincent and Velkoff, 2010; Fredriksen- Goldsen et al, 2013; Siverskog, 2016; SOU, 2017, p 92), who face a high risk of deteriorating health, mental illness and poverty (Grant et al, 2011; Fredriksen- Goldsen et al, 2013; Kattari et al, 2020).
Despite their vulnerability, research on this group of people in social work is limited. This holds true for many countries, including Sweden and other Nordic countries. In previous Swedish research, it has been shown that older trans adults fear becoming recipients of care as they grow older (Siverskog, 2014; Lof and Olaison, 2018). A specific fear is of being treated poorly by caregivers due to ignorance or a lack of knowledge about trans issues (Siverskog, 2014; SOU, 2017). Research also indicates a fear among caregivers in the form of professional insecurities when discussing future care for older trans adults (Smolle and Espvall, 2021). However, research on these issues remains limited. Thus the purpose of this study is to give examples of issues such as professional prerequisites and insecurities from the perspective of social workers (who to their knowledge have not yet provided professional services to older trans adults). The chapter focuses in particular on professional preparedness for supporting older trans adults among social workers in the municipal social services in Sweden.
The Swedish context
In Sweden, it is prohibited to discriminate against persons based on their gender identity and gender expression (Swedish Discrimination Act 2008). The law applies in several areas, for instance in working life, education, healthcare and municipal social services.
In Sweden, as in the other Nordic welfare states, social work is mainly carried out within municipality organisations. Municipal social work is specified and regulated in the Social Services Act 2001.
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