Mittuniversitetet

Currently, most of Sweden’s social work and psychology education lacks in-depth, knowledge-enhancing initiatives about gender identity and gender expression. Transgender people in Sweden – Proposals for a stronger position and better living conditions (SOU 2017:92), a report by the Swedish Government, indicates major shortcomings in the treatment by health professionals of trans people in primary healthcare, psychiatric facilities, youth clinics, elderly care, student health centres, social services, schools, etc. Furthermore, limited knowledge and a lack of professional skills are factors that have negatively impacted the ability of health professionals to meet the demands of those in need. Social workers and psychologists who receive the necessary in-depth training can contribute to the increased visibility of trans people and their potential needs, and will be better equipped to meet the demands as they arise. This could be particularly significant at the present time – given the political developments that are heading in a direction that is negatively impacting human rights and trans visibility in Europe.

Based on the background provided above, a summer course was initiated at Mid Sweden University. The course was called Gender Identity and Expression in Human Service Organizations (7.5 credits)and contained several interdisciplinary elements in order to meet the needs of the wide variety of professionals who work in a human service organization. 150 students were accepted for the course, which was originally introduced in June 2020. Prior to the start of the summer course, a survey was sent out to all the participating students. The survey comprised questions about the students’ occupation and educational background, why they had applied to the course, how they perceived their own knowledge of trans issues prior to the course and what aspects (social, legal, organizational, psychological etc.)they considered to be particularly relevant to learn more about during the course. A total of 108 survey responses were received.

The purpose of the present study was to summarize the work process of the course. This summary was intended to act as an aid for sharing and exchanging valuable experiences with others who are interested in developing similar courses.