Whenever trans and inter-gender persons come out, their social milieu tends to be characterised by unpredictable and questioning attitudes. These reactions, often in the form of highly indiscreet questions about the world of trans and inter-gender persons, are frequently distressing and extremely hurtful. In the world of study and work in particular, or when looking for employment, trans and inter-gender persons often encounter insecurity and discrimination.

The most widely held opinion in our society in this respect unfortunately continues to maintain that gender is immutable, with most people believing in that everyone is either female or male. Inter- and trans-sexuality unfortunately continues to be a taboo subject in Germany.

As does any consideration of the fact that gender can be changed. Then there is the experience of people who do not (only) identify with their birth gender, or the fact that some people do not maintain an exclusively female or male sexual identity, which often provokes irritation.

However, the linguistic practice of most countries is such that we refer only to the female or the male. This leads to the exclusion of and discrimination against people who do not see themselves only as a woman or as a man.

If we are to avoid this kind of discrimination, it is important to open up language to new approaches. One way to dismantle this discrimination is to insert an underscore into gender-specific words in languages (like German) that differentiate by sex in this respect (example: Kolleg_innen translates the word “colleague” without being gender-specific). This orthographic innovation provides a symbolic space for people who feel that they straddle both genders.

Correct forms of address are also important for trans- and inter-gender people. The use of a form of address based on gender identity denotes respect and expresses acceptance.

Trans- and intergender persons are exposed to a variety of stressful factors. The problems described above are accompanied by a whole series of specific disadvantages that affect the lives of trans and inter-gender persons. Trans* and inter* persons tend to suffer more from mental conditions such as depression or addiction, for example. Many mentally ill inter- and trans-gender persons are, due to their disability, no longer able to deal with their own affairs, and therefore require the professional support of a legal guardian.

Demographic changes are such that the proportion of the population accounted for by elderly trans* and inter* persons is likely to grow considerably in the next few years. Proper legal guardianship is therefore of increasing importance for older inter- and trans-sexual persons.

We are aware that the legal assistance available in Berlin does not do enough to cover the needs of trans* and inter* persons. Our programme of care tailored to the personal needs of trans* and inter* persons intends to close the corresponding gaps and considerably improve the quality of guardianship available to the inter- and trans-sexual population of greater Berlin.

As we are familiar with your situation, we know how we can best assist you. So take advantage of this factor.

Are you making your own efforts to look for a legal guardian? Your wishes are of great significance when it comes to selecting the legal guardian concerned. You just need to nominate your desired legal guardian worker to the court.

As the lives of trans* and inter* persons can often be characterised by specific sets of problems, we recommend that you select a professional specialised in the care of trans and inter-gender persons.

We accept you as you are. We provide you with a safe space protected from discrimination and insecurity. We treat you with respect, and address you as you wish to be addressed.

If you need legal care, the district or suburb of Berlin where you live is quite immaterial. We provide care for people from all of Berlin’s districts and suburbs.