This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
May 19, 2020
Monica, a 38-year-old transwoman, has been living in Panama for 24 years. She has faced harassment from the police and local shopkeepers, who have targeted her for being a trans woman.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Monica was trying to make a living by cooking and selling food. One day, she decided to go to the local corner shop to buy some chicken. However, the shopkeeper refused to serve her, citing a police order that only women were allowed to leave their homes on certain days.
The shopkeeper used a transphobic term to refer to Monica, which made her feel uncomfortable. Monica has been subjected to similar harassment from the police in the past, who have driven past her house shouting homophobic and transphobic words.
Monica's story highlights the challenges faced by the trans community in Panama, where sex work is legal but still stigmatized. She has been supporting her family since she was 14, after her father died and they lost their only source of income.
Monica's experience is a reminder of the need for greater understanding and acceptance of the trans community, particularly during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
