Misunderstood and stateless in Hong Kong: A transgender woman's nightmare

[webfact]

Misunderstood and stateless in Hong Kong: A transgender woman's nightmare
By Eliana Rubashkyn, for CNN

Hong Kong (CNN) -- Crossing borders as a transgender woman is always a challenge. There are many reasons immigration authorities reject you, but sometimes it's simply because they don't seem to understand who we are.

My name is Eliana Rubashkyn and I was born in Bogotá, Colombia. I'm a trained pharmacist and speak five languages fluently, and until recently, I was studying for an MBA in Health Administration in Taiwan on a government scholarship. I also used to be a man.

Last year, I was forced to travel to Hong Kong to renew my passport because of my altered gender. Hong Kong -- a one-hour flight away -- is the nearest Colombian consulate from Taiwan. The trip was also necessary to allow me to apply for the second year of my graduate degree.

Full story: http://edition.cnn.com/2014/09/05/world/transgender-asylum-hong-kong/index.html


-- CNN 2014-09-05

[robertthebruce]

My heart goes out to you, hope your future gets brighter... Don't give up.....

[Seastallion]

Strange. Why did I read in the NZ Herald a week ago that she has settled in NZ?

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11316450

[pacovl46]

Once you're free to do so move to Thailand. No one cares here who or what you are! I wish you all the best!

[robertthebruce]

Once you're free to do so move to Thailand. No one cares here who or what you are! I wish you all the best!

Yes totally agree with you , Thailand is open to all, life is too short to live somewhere that is not accepting , or you feel threatened....

[timmyp]

Did this person really expect LESS discrimination in Asia?

Thailand has accepted transgender people to some degree, but transgendered folks are still seen as less desirable freaks by most of Thai society.

Really interesting about the move to New Zealand. Maybe she's traveling around to draw attention to how she is treated.

[catweazle]

Eliana, Thailand is a safe haven for you where you will be accepted unconditionally for who you are! Try to get here a.s.a.p.

Wishing you best of luck!