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Vulnerable Population and Self-Awareness There are a variety of vulnerable populations that exist in today’s struggling society. There are groups that are more vulnerable for certain illnesses or death and individuals that are segregated or treated differently because their preferred sexual interests and habits. This discussion will cover the definition of vulnerable population with the focus primarily on transvestites. The transvestite demographics and my personal awareness of this vulnerable population will be viewed with my personal attitudes and the health care delivery can be affected.
I will give my own reflection toward this particular group including my perception before and after becoming more familiarized. According to Giger and Davidhizar (2007), “the term vulnerable has come to refer to populations who experience social or economical hardships such as the elderly, the impoverished, widows, and ethnic groups that suffer from greater risks of morbidity and mortality than do their wealthier counterparts” (p. 294).
Transvestites are a vulnerable population that is content with their own heterosexual desires with interests in cross-dressing for the gain of sexual arousal that society considers inappropriate (Bentler, Sherman, & Prince, 1970). It is determined transvestites are people with exposure of dressing up as the opposite sex early in life during childhood play when possessing older siblings of the opposite sex. Transvestites are often incorrectly labeled for other terms such as homosexual or transgender.
Depending on how explicit transvestites live will determine the level of discrimination and social isolation that is received (Trotter, 2010). Demographics There is approximately nine percent of the population in the United States with transvestite fetish with almost three percent of males that has experienced at least one episode in their life. The state of Florida has about 4. 6% of its residents with approximately 4% locally within the Miami Dade county area that are transvestites. Transvestites tend to clump together and create smaller social communities separate from the typical suburb or acceptable normal communities for privacy.
Within these smaller private communities, transvestites are known to have lavish parties exposing their fetish and sharing sexual practices (Langstro & Zucker, 2005). Personal Awareness, Attitude, and Perception I have consistently been under the impression that transvestites are homosexuals with disturbing mannerisms that will leave bad influence on fellow peers or the youth. While growing up in rural Texas where homosexuality is shunned or taboo, I assumed there were no gays or transvestites and not until later in life I realized there were this vulnerable population living among us that was in hiding.
I came across numerous of people that came out of their hiding years later during high school reunions or visitation to my home town. I was raised under the Catholic religion that described these characteristics as a sin. Eventually, I came to the understanding not to subject these people to my stereotypical childhood ways and to respect everyone regardless of his or her preferences. While conducting this assignment, I finally got the privilege to learn the in-depth similarities and differences of these different sexual natures of homosexuality, transgender, transsexual, and transvestites.
As explained by Bullough, Bullough, and Smith (1983), “Cross dressing was an early behavior among transvestites but not among transsexuals or members of the gay control group” (p. 238). I never knew transvestites are heterosexual people with only a cross-dressing fetish. I was very biased and ignorant as comparison to my previous understanding, especially when I was a child and teenager. Delivery of Health Care I have had experience of dealing with transvestites in the emergency department in Jackson Memorial Hospital. I recollect of a particular individual that frequently visited the emergency room who is a transvestite.
With every visit required a different outfit and it seemed as if he was attention seeking. This individual did have some homosexual tendencies and always arrived with fire rescue because of the exposure to masculine men. He always dressed in a variety of feminine clothing and most occasions dressed with much of exaggeration such as a princess or cheerleader. The entire time while receiving treatment in the emergency room, whether being a true emergent situation or an act, the patient was constantly ridiculed and was the center of humorous attention.
I understand that some transvestites will expose themselves more than others with the possibility of having psychological problems. Most transvestites hide their fetish with the probability of embarrassment if revealed. Depending on the level of exposure will make a significant difference on the plan of care and the medical staff involved. Conclusion Vulnerable populations like transvestites maintain their solitude among themselves or hidden within private communities. Acceptance of this lifestyle is a slow intergrading process within today’s society.
The destined way an individual leads their personal affairs, regardless of the extent of fetish or disorder should not reflect his or her medical care or health management without diversion from discrimination. Bentler, P. M. , Sherman, R. W. , & Prince, C. (1970). Personality characteristics of male transvestites. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 26(3), 287-291. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Bullough, V. , Bullough, B. , & Smith, R. (1983). A comparative study of male transvestites, male to female transsexuals, and male homosexuals.
Journal of Sex Research, 19(3), 238-257. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Giger, J. , & Davidhizar, R. (2007). Promoting culturally appropriate interventions among vulnerable populations. Annual Review of Nursing Research, 25, 293-316. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Langstro, N. , & Zucker, K. J. (2005). Transvestic fetishism in the general population: Prevalence and correlates. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 31(2), 87-95. Trotter, R. (2010). Transgender discrimination and the law. Contemporary Issues in Education Research, 3(2), 55-60. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.