Indian Journal of Health Social Work
LGBTQ COMMUNITIES IN INDIA: BARRIERS IN ACCESSING HEALTH CARE
FACILITIES
Srenwantee Bhattacharjee
Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, St. Xavier’s University Kolkata, Newtown 700160,
West Bengal
Correspondence: Srenwantee Bhattacharjee, email- s.bhattacharjee@sxuk.edu.in
ABSTRACT
Background: The global experience of LGBTQ populations with respect to health and healthcare
services is fraught with disparities and barriers. The stigma and discrimination against these
communities stems from their experience of violence against them from various social groups.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community prefer to remain outside the
mainstream health services and this can be because of the stigmatization by the healthcare
providers. Aim: The objective of this paper is to identify the stigmatization, barriers to health
care and particular health issues and health risks experienced by these groups. Methods and
Materials: The study is a qualitative study that has examined the available literature in India to
identify the challenges faced by transgender individuals and substantiated the findings with some
in-depth case studies representing the various identities of LGBTQ communities. Conclusion:
The study reveals that the main obstacles faced are stigma, limited sexual health knowledge,
concerns about confidentiality, fatalistic attitudes and structural barriers. The suggestions that
developed from this study were inclusive clinics, improved doctor patient interaction, sensitive
data collection, cultural awareness, Staff training and education.
Keywords: LGBTQIA groups, health care, barriers, challenges, inclusive