September letter

Norway, October 7th 2024

In a time of increasing violence where aggression is hard to separate from defense, it feels like many ideals are put aside to the benefit of more primitive instincts in the human psyche. We know from widespread experiences that war also means sexual harassment, rape and actions of degradation.

At the recent WPATH Symposium in Lisboa, where I had the privilege of presence, there was an air of anger, mourning and general distress over the negative changes of healthcare offers to TGD individuals all over the world. Many US states stand out as worst cases. Not to mention on the East horizon with Russia and now also Georgia as even worse cases.

The Guardian writes: A well-known Georgian transgender model has been murdered, local officials said, a day after the government passed legislation that will impose sweeping curbs on LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

Georgia’s interior ministry said Kesaria Abramidze, 37, was believed to have been stabbed to death in her apartment in suburban Tbilisi on Wednesday.

Georgian media later reported that a man had been arrested in connection with the crime.

Abramidze was one of the country’s first openly trans public figures. Her death follows controversial legislation on “family values and the protection of minors” that will allow officials to outlaw Pride events and censor films and books.

The law, which was approved by the Georgian parliament on Tuesday in its third and final reading, includes bans on same-sex marriages and gender-affirming treatments. It is expected to be another point of contention between Georgia and the EU as the country seeks to join the bloc. We can ask: Where does all this hate, fear and consequent violence stem from?

As professionals in the fields of gender and sexuality, we must at least be aware and support rights to adequate access to healthcare, and to a positive belonging in societies and cultures. We as a sexological organization with emphasis also on sexual rights, sexual pleasure av sexual justice, is fortunate to have a growing group of early career individuals that we trust will carry on these important tasks!

Sexuality is a tool of communication. Our bodily surfaces become a meeting place for intimacy and tokens of love. Sexuality and gender affirmation can carry us into moments of explosive happiness and prolonged times of relaxed content and even euphoria.

Sexuality entertains life and entertains us while we are living. Science in our profession demonstrates that the better we are entertained, the better our sexuality, the longer and healthier we live.

Good and satisfying sexuality and positive gender belonging is a source of wellbeing and wellbeing is a prerequisite for peace of mind.

And more than that: A collective peace of mind within us, renders more peace between us.

Good sexuality is not just for people from the West and the North, it is for everyone, as everyone have a need for peace of mind and peace around.

Maybe thoughts like these could be fruitful also among those who find reasons to hate, to fear and to kill each other.

Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad

President of the EFS