Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, the country’s trans community is struggling to access the hormone medications they need. The conflict has exacerbated the challenges already faced by trans people in Ukraine, where discrimination from doctors and limited access to gender-affirming healthcare is already a problem. The war has made it difficult for pharmacies to maintain stocks of medication, and disrupted supply chains, making it nearly impossible to transport in essential medications, especially in areas with fighting or those occupied by Russia.
Stopping hormone treatment can bring serious physical and mental health impacts, from depression and anxiety to increased cancer risks. The situation in Ukraine is especially dire as the prices of hormone drugs have spiked, making them unaffordable for many, and some have turned to risky methods to obtain hormones, such as cooking up their own hormones using cheaper drugs available in pharmacies, a practice that is extremely dangerous.
LGBTQ+ organizations, such as Gender Stream, have been stepping in to help, but they face significant challenges, including transportation difficulties and shortages of drugs. Initiatives to improve conditions for those seeking transition have also been put on hold due to the war, making it even harder for trans people to update their paperwork to match their gender identity. As Ukraine marks a year since Russia invaded, activists are calling for urgent action to support the LGBTQ+ community, especially the trans community, amidst the ongoing conflict.
