Methodology
F&M Global Barometer of Transgender Rights™
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Overview
The Franklin & Marshall Global Barometers® (FMGB) utilize a unique methodology combining quantitative research design with qualitative, real-world considerations. Drawing from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Yogyakarta Principles plus 10 (YP+10), the F&M Global Barometer of Transgender Rights (GBTR) measures state and societal indicators to determine the extent to which countries protect or persecute their transgender population.
GBTR Dimensions
The GBTR includes five dimensions: De Jure Protections, De Facto Protections, LGBT Rights Advocacy, Socio-Economic Rights, and Societal Persecution. The five dimensions are comprised of 17 indicators which measure levels of protection and persecution toward transgender individuals. The five items in the LGBT advocacy dimension are shared with the GBGR.
De Jure Protections
Based on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the De Jure Protections dimension measures the extent to which a country’s constitution and laws protect the fundamental human rights of transgender individuals. While the a priori function of the state is to protect its citizens, states may discriminate in carrying out this responsibility by criminalizing gender identity and expression and denying these individuals their human rights.
De Facto Protections
Based on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the De Facto Protections dimension considers the ability of a state to implement laws that ensure the protection of gender identity minorities. It is assumed that states that do not criminalize gender identity minorities will also provide legal protections, such as freedom from arbitrary arrest or the right to a fair trial. However, negative societal attitudes and the influence of regressive political elites may circumvent protective laws, creating conditions where gender identity minorities are deprived of legal protections.
LGBT Rights Advocacy
The LGBT Rights Advocacy dimension indicates state sanction or suppression of LGBT advocacy. Effective organizing is necessary to further LGBT human rights. States, with their monopoly on the legitimate use of force, may use police forces to protect or impede LGBT minorities’ freedom of association and right to assemble.
Socio-Economic Rights
Based on the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the Socio-Economic Rights dimension signals gender identity minorities’ abilities to seek and enjoy socio-economic opportunities without discrimination. Anti-discrimination laws in employment, housing, and health are a baseline measure of a state’s commitment to protecting human rights.
Societal Persecution
The Societal Persecution dimension captures whether gender identity minorities are targeted for violence or murder based on their gender identity or gender expression. It measures the ability of gender identity minorities to seek redress from state authorities in cases of unequal treatment or discriminatory violence, as well as the state’s ability to restore justice in such cases.
Data Collection
The FMGB team employs a double-blind coding system to collect and review the data for the 17 indicators on the GBTR, and assigns binary codes (0/1) which are weighted equally. A country will receive a one (1) if evidence supports the indicator in the affirmative and a zero (0) if in the negative. To ensure reliability among coders, the team uses an extensive coding handbook that sets the parameters for evaluation.
Grading
Each country’s GBTR score is calculated by dividing the sum of its binary codes by 17, the total number of indicators. If a country has no military, the sum is divided by 16. Then, this score is converted to a percentage and assigned a letter grade (A-F), where 100% (A) is the most protective and 0% (F) is the least protective.
Sources
The FMGB team relies on desk-based research to code the Barometers. Sources include but are not limited to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) World Database; United States Department of State (USDOS) Country Reports on Human Rights Practices; ILGA Europe Annual Review and Rainbow Map; ILGA Monitor (news compendium); ILGA Trans Legal Mapping Reports; Freedom House; Pew Research Center; Afrobarometer; IPSOS; Outright International reports; Amnesty International; Human Rights Watch; Transrespect vs. Transphobia; Human Dignity Trust; Transgender Europe (maps and reports); and TDoR Remembering Our Dead. Other sources include local newspaper reports, international media coverage, and multi-region shadow reports by local and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
The F&M Global Barometer of Transgender Rights
204
Countries
17
Items
5
Dimensions
124,546
Points of Data
- No criminalization of gender identity or expression
- Country has legal recognition of gender identity
- No physiological alteration requirement for legal gender recognition
- No psychiatric diagnosis requirement for legal gender recognition
- Gender identity minorities are not restricted or banned from serving in the military
- Freedom from arbitrary arrest based on gender identity or expression
- LGBT organizations are allowed to legally register by the state
- National LGBT organizations exist
- LGBT organizations are able to peacefully and safely assemble
- LGBT Pride events are allowed by the state
- Security forces provide protection to LGBT Pride participants
- Workplace anti-discrimination laws include gender identity
- Fair housing anti-discrimination laws include gender identity
- Healthcare anti-discrimination laws include gender identity
- No known acts of murder against gender identity minorities
- No known acts of violence against gender identity minorities
- Crimes based on gender identity are reported to police