Condiciones laborales de personas trans en la ciudad de Cuenca, como resultado de la pandemia COVID 19

Abstract

This research work makes visible the transformation of the working conditions of Trans people in the city of Cuenca, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, during the period March - July 2020. It is taken as a perspective of analysis, the critical contribution of feminist theories with gender and human rights approaches. The methodology used to determine the risk factors and protective factors related to the right to work was developed from a qualitative approach, applying in-depth interviews with key informants. The participants in the study were trans women of legal age who live in the city of Cuenca and who have been involved in different economic activities in the last two years. Among the results, it is described that the main risk factors are exclusion and limitation of opportunities due to gender identity, discrimination, violence, lack of social security, and job stability. Among the risk factors that worsened with the presence of the pandemic in the labor area, it was found that the situations and perception of insecurity increased, it was known about the worsening of the existence of drug trafficking and exploitation mafias, on the other hand, the level of economic income decreased to alarming figures compromising the subsistence of some Trans Women. It was evidenced that trans women do not trust in the current regulations, the authorities’ attention, nor the police as the governing body for justice and protection of their integrity and dignity. However, individual, collective, and institutional protection factors were identified: resilience values, solidarity networks, and organizational support from LGBTIQ+ collectives and organizations.