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
INTRODUCTION: Social stratification in Indian society has been multifarious – along the lines of class, religion, language, education, that transect with sexuality and further add to oppressions. In India, the discriminatory attitudes and actions against gender variant persons is antagonistic and have been reaffirmed on the pretext of these groups being anti-religious, anti-social or simply anti-tradition. This ostracisation and h o s t i l i t y i s a n i n f r i n g e m e n t o f t h e i r fundamental rights. Sexual minorities in the Indian society have found cultural acceptance throughout history – popularly the Hijras – and have existed in the peripheries at other times shrouded in invisibility and silence but these have been replaced by a culture of stigma and oppression. Queer has often been the overarching term for those persons who identify as gay, lesbian, transgender and/or bi-sexual. According to Q ue e r t he or y, i d e nt i ti es of i nd iv i dua l s, especially their sexual identities, are not stable a nd una mbi guous a s the soci a ll y g ive n identities sometimes do not match the selfi de nti ti es const ruct e d by t he g row n-up a g e n c i e s . Q u e e r i d e n t i t y f o c u s e s o n mismatches between sex, gender and desire. Queerness has been associated with bisexual, 4 0 Indian Journal of Health Social Work. 5(1) January-June, 2023 lesbian and gay, and its analytic framework and include s topics like cross-dress ing, intersex bodies, gender ambiguity and gender confirmation surgery. Queer theory posits that individual sexuality is fluid, fragmented and a dynamic collectivity of possible sexualities which may vary at different points in one’s life time (Jagose & Genschel, 1996). Queer t h e o r y i s n ot a s i n g ul a r or s y st e m a t i c conceptual or methodological framework, but a collection of intellectual engagements with the relations between sex, gender and sexual desire (Spargo, 1999). LGBTQ studies as a form of discourse has challenged the dominant notion of sexuality, i.e., heterosexuality. When a specific category i s t e r m e d a s “ n o r 0 m a l ”, i t i n e v i t a b l y designates the opposite to be “deviant”. The practices relating to deviant category are marked by less prejudice and these practices a r e l i a b l e t o d i f f e r e n t f o r m s o f s o c i a l condemnation and punishment. “Queer theory emerges from gay/lesbian studies’ attention to the social construction of categories of normative and deviant sexual behavior. But while gay/lesbian studies focused largely on the questions relating to homosexuality, queer theory expands its realm of investigation to a wider field. Queer theory looks at, and studies, and offers a political critique of anything that falls into normative and deviant categories” (Harris, 2005).
REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Existing literature on LGBTQ health has been e x c l u s i v e l y f o c u s e d o n H I V a n d t h e susceptibility of these groups to sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. There are various risks and associated stress related to the sexual life and practices of homosexual men. Chakrapani, Babu and Ebenezer (2004) through their work point to the dependence of Hijras on free medical care because of their low socio-economic status. They also pointed out that discrimination against transgenders starts right from the registration desk at the medical centre, and continue as insensitive treatment from care givers and doctors. This discrimination and insensitivity deter them from seeking proper medical help. Often, health care providers fail to comprehend these sexual diversities and lack adequate knowledge about their health issues and needed health services. Thus, these “sexual minorities” who follow alternate sexualities counter unique barriers in the pursuit of public or private health services. Their presumed/real occupation leads them to anonymous multiple sex partners and is an effective strategy to camouflage their identity. B ut t he i r e xp os ure to a w i de ra nge of penet rat ive and non-pe netra tive sexua l behaviour is often a precursor to multiple t yp e s of s e xu a l l y tr a n smi t t e d di s e a se s specifically HIV. The transgenders have also well documented the hurdles they face with reg ards to a cce ss t o HIV te st ing, antiretroviral treatment and other sexual health services. The various discriminations that the transgender/Hijra communities come across in the health care settings are: the deliberate use of gendered pronouns in addressing Hijras ; registering transwomen as ‘male’, to getting them admitted in male wards; the humiliation of standing in the male queue; along with verbal provocation by co-patients and lack of sensitive healthcare providers and trained professional on providing treatment/ care to transgender people and even denial of medical services. Discrimination could be attributed to their visible gender status, history of sex work or HIV s ta tus or a combination of these. The existence of the homosexuality law is another stumbling block that prevents transgender and men who have sex with men from coming forward to test for HIV/AIDS. It also frustrates social workers for n o t b e i n g a b l e t o p r o v i d e i n f o r m a t i o n r e g a r d i n g t r e a t m e n t , m o n i t o r i n g a n d 4 1 LGBTQ Communities in India: Barriers in Accessing Health Care Facilities Indian Journal of Health Social Work. 5(1) January-June, 2023 counseling to the homosexuals (Agoramoorthy and Hsu). A key study in this domain, concerning HIV protection, human rights and social exclusion of Hijras/transgender women, has been prepared in India by Chakrapani in 2010 under UNDP. The study has reviewed published researches in different context of India using the human rights and exclusion framework. The findings of the study mainly stresses on the need of sexual health service based on specific gender role of transgender groups t h a t a l s o d r a w s a t t e n t i o n t o t h e interrelationship between social exclusion and vulnerability to HIV and other health risks (Chakrapani, 2010). A s t u dy b y I n d i a n C o u n c i l f o r M e d i c a l Research in 2013 by Chakrapani, Samuels, Shunmugam and Sivasubramanian titled Modelling the Impact of Stigma on Depression and Sexual Risk Behaviours of Men who have Sex with Men and Hijras or Transgender people in India: Implications for HIV and Sexual Health Programs’ has been crucial in c h a r t i n g t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p b e t w e e n t h e d i s c r i m i n a t i o n s f a c e d b y t h e s e s e x u a l minorities and mental health ailments. The key finding of the study were that same-sex orientation was realised by individuals at an early stage or sometimes highly delayed. In between the realization and self-acceptance MSM and Transgender participants expressed a transition from guilt to self-pity. It was found that stigma and discrimination lead to chronic stress that adversely affected the mental health of Transgender youth. Disclosure of one’s sexual identity and orientation also acted as stressor for them. Discrimination among MSM/Transgender communities was found to be based on economic status, HIV status or engagement in sex work in existing absence of familial support often lead to unremitting depre ssion and self-apathy. Sexual violence also impacts the mental health of transgender communities—deflating their self-esteem and consequently resulting in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or depression. “Problems Faced by Hijras (Male to Female Transgenders) in Mumbai with Reference to Their Health and Harassment by the Police” a study by Anitha Chettiar attempts to highlight the socio economic conditions of the Hijra co mm un it y i n a n d a r ou n d Mumb ai a nd understand the problems faced by them with detailed reference to their health and the police atrocities they face by using data from sixty-three Hijras across multiple districts in the state of Maharashtra, India. The content analysis undertaken to analyze the problems narrated by the Hijras revealed that the majority of them (87.5%) acknowledged widespread police atrocities (both railway and traffic) for begging and soliciting clients for sex work. Reports of Hijra respondents being raped and even gang raped by the police was found out. A section of the Hijras complained about inhuman and disrespectful treatment especially during healthcare access in the Government hospitals at the hands of the doctors and nurses
PROBLEMS OF THIS COMMUNITY: The medical system functions on the binary of men and women. This completely negates the presence of Transgender Groups (TG). Ge nde r n on-conformin g i ndi vid ua ls a nd t r a n s g e n d e r p e o p l e o f t e n e x p e r i e n c e discrimination while accessing health care; these w ere as trivial as disrespect a nd harassment to as extreme as violence and outright denial of service. Transgender groups have put forth concerns about barriers they face in getting proper health care. These ba r rie rs ra nge from i ssu es in pu rs u i ng preventive medicine, unawareness in routine and emergency care, or ambiguity in services for transgenders. These realities and issues, combined with predominant ignorance of the 4 2 Indian Journal of Health Social Work. 5(1) January-June, 2023 medical service providers around the health care needs of transgenders and gender nonconforming people, discourage them from seeking and receiving quality health care. Transgender people not only lack services but they also face discrimination in diverse ways in the Indian health care system. It has been n o t e d t h a t t h e i r t r a n s g e n d e r s t a t u s , presumed/real occupation (sex work) or HIV status/fear of HIV transmission is a primary cause of rampant discrimination against them. A crucial reason as well as consequence of the exclusion is the lack of (or ambiguity in) legal recognition of the gender status of Hijras and other transgender people. Discriminations start in the family, occur in educational institutes, persist in employment opportunities and even encroach on certain basic civil rights such as marriage and parenthood. They remain socially marginalized and are usually apprehensive about expressing their identities i n p u b l i c s p h e r e d u e t o t h e f e a r o f ostracisation. In the Indian family an individual is required to create a false sense of self because disclosure of an alternate sexual identity is met with violent denial or negative reaction from the family. The family either disowns or coerces the individual to undergo psychiatric treatment in a futile attempt to revert them back to heterosexuality. Society at large ridicules gender-variant people for being ‘different’ and treats them with hostility. Studies undertaken on hijra communities in various parts of India agree that, in addition to earning their livelihood as performers, most Hijras in contemporary India engage themselves in sexual activity with men for money or for satisfying their own homosexual de sires , a s lon g a s t hey a re ph ysi ca ll y attractive or capable of doing so. Most Hijras seem to engage in casual prostitution by offering sexual favors to men in exchange for money (Nag, 1995). Very few work sectors ha ve op port uni ties f or th e tra nsg end er population. The transgender community claimed inability of getting a mainstream job due to lack of education, ‘unusual’ nonconforming lifestyle unacceptable for the working environment. People’s Union for Civil Liberties-Karnataka (PUCL) has presented a report that highlights the unusual, yet persistent violence and stigma that gender minorities face. The report aims to conceptualize these inflictions and violations by the state (through the laws and police) and by civil society (through the family, media, popular culture, workspaces, and household spaces). The report deducts the specific nature of the violations from state and civil society, how this gender group is understated, and the little-understanding to which these “sexual minorities” are subjected to (PUCL, 2001). Violations against different LGBTQIA communities include extortion, harassment, abuse, illegal detention, and se x u al a ssa u l t ; a l l o f the s e ha v e b e e n perpetrated by the police under the cover of legitimacy provided by the criminal law framework. This kind of violence has been further supported by the established societal norms of intol e ra nce tow ards alt ernate sexualities. In the absence of any other viable alternative, many gender alternate individuals join the “Hijra ” (eunuch) community and undergo illegal, secret and crude castration operations that are risky in terms of their he a lt h. A necdot al e vid en ce locat e s the number of castration deaths at 50% of those operated upon by untrained Dai, sham doctors and “surgeons” with dubious credentials. ‘Life of a Eunuch’(Saxena, 2009) proceeds to look at the different aspects of transformation from one gender to another, the complexity of the medical procedures involved as well as the socio economic ramifications of such gender transformations. This book highlights the need for investigation, diagnosis and counseling before resorting to reconstructive surgery for changing the body. The legal status of sex change surgery in India is 4 3 LGBTQ Communities in India: Barriers in Accessing Health Care Facilities Indian Journal of Health Social Work. 5(1) January-June, 2023 ambiguous, it needs to be clarified and this surgery should be offered in government hospitals so that members of the LGBTQ groups can afford it and not be forced to go to unqualified medical practitioners for having their sexual organs removed. This can prevent complications resulting from bad surgical procedures by quacks. The research gap that could be identified from the available literature was a lack in terms of clarity about the barriers that different LGBTQ subgroups face while accessing healthcare services.
OBJECTIVES
Analyse the existing discriminations in the
society against the LGBTQ communities in
India with special reference to health and
healthcare access.
Comprehend the challenges that these
groups face in accessing medical facilities
with special reference to different subgroups
in the LGBTQ community.
METHODOLOGY: The research methodology used for this paper is primarily qualitative and draws from both p r i m a r y a n d s e c o n d a r y s o u r c e s . T h e invisibility of the LGBTQ community has been a deterrent in reaching out and gathering substantial data that is necessary to maintain academic objectivity. This study has used 6 case studies to understand the lives and e xp l or e t h e e x pe r i e n ce s o f th e L G BT Q communities in India. Case study is a data collection method that presents detailed information about a particular participant or small group, frequently including the accounts of the respondents themselves. Extensive indepth personal interviews were undertaken from the major categorical divisions in the LGBTQ community. A number of existing studies and recent policy level documents on Transgender issues were analyzed to locate the challenges in integrating th e Tra nsge n de r gro u ps in t o a s oci a ll y inclusive society.
RESULTS: The Transgender community prefers to stay away from the mainstream health services. T h e r e a s o n f o r s t a y i n g a w a y i s t h e stigmatization faced by them in the hands of t h e h e a l t h s e r v i c e p r o v i d e r s . T h e stigmatization is double for Men who have Sex wi th Men (MSM) and t ra nswomen. Thi s community also feels that the health care provi de rs s pecia lly t he doct ors are not oriented about the health issues faced by the community. The disparity in health care for the sexual minorities exists in all societies. For example, transgender groups often have no permission to seek health service inside hospitals and do not have separate ward earmarked for in-patient care. Their access to health care needs to be ensured because they are at a high-risk for various physical and mental illnesses. Case studies of different individuals highlight the basic problems they face in accessing healthcare facilities.
(CASE 1)
K* a Hijra originally from a distant village in
Malda district of West Bengal ran away from
home at the age of fifteen. Her family did not
like her dressing up as women and playing
with girls. She initially moved to Kolkata and
started begging at railway stations. It was
here that she met a group of Hijras who were
begging in trains. She befriended a Hijra and
moved in with her. “I was slim and had no
facial or body hair like men, when I dressed
in women’s clothing a lot of people mistook
me for a young girl. I also started engaging
in sex work. With admiration from other Hijras
and my male customers, I was eager to the
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LGBTQ Communities in India: Barriers in Accessing Health Care Facilities
Indian Journal of Health Social Work. 5(1) January-June, 2023
(CASE 2)
N* a Kothi shared her story –she spoke about
her childhood, her life then, likes, dislikes, love
and struggles. N* started her narration talking
of her early recollections of gender and
sexuality: “It is evident that I have a mind of
a woman with a body of a man. That is why
my story will be different from the story of
other men. I belong to a lower middle class
family. My Baba (father) doesn’t earn much. I
have an elder sister and a younger sister.
Being the only son in the family everyone had
h i g h e x p e c t a t i o n s f r o m m e . B u t s i n ce
childhood I was girly as you are seeing me
now. I used to like dressing up like women,
wear sari, do my hair – these were my
fascinations ”. As N* grew up these effeminate
characteristics became evident to everybody
else around him. She dropped out of school
in the 8th standard because of harassment and
bullying in school. It was at this time that N*
had her first sexual encounter with an elder
boy from the local ity. She then st arted
travelling to Kolkata to work as a prostitute.
It was during these escapades that she came
in contact with a Hijra and moved in with her
as a chela. She has had various STDs and
h a d t a ke n t r e at me n t fr o m g o ve r nm en t
hospitals. N* prefers to be identified as a
woman and would like to go in for Sexual
Reassignment Surgery later when she can
muster that kin d of confi de nce in such
procedures.
(CASE 3)
B*, a 32 year old Trans woman from Kolkata
has been a Launda dancer for a few seasons
during her twenties. Originally from Kolkata,
she lives with her mother and is associated
with an organization working on Transgender
issues. B* first realized her sexuality when
he had a major crush on a school mate in
class 5. By 12 he had identified kothis near
his locality and started hanging out with them.
He grew his hair, started wearing women’s
jeans and explored with complete cross
dressing in private. B* is not comfortable
undergoing a complete sexual reassignment
surgery which is why he prefers to dress up
as a woman. He is a MSM and has multiple
sexual partners. Early on when he started sexwork,
he was young and naïve. He had
multiple sexually transmitted diseases early
on and an exposure to NGOs working on HIV/
A ID S a nd othe r STDs h e st ar t e d u s i ng
condoms. According to B* “I like to look and
feel like a woman but I do not like the idea of
mutilating my body. I had a steady partner
who is also a transgender and he used to treat
me like a wife at home and in bed ”. His
partner was an alcoholic who used to beat
him as well as had multiple sexual partners.
B* is also an alcoholic and is undergoing
counseling for depression and self-destructive
behavior like wrist slashing and using drugs.
(CASE 4)
S* a 35 year old bisexual cross dresser also
from the outskirts of Kolkata has a wife and
an 8 year old son. He is identified as a Hijra
and begs in trains and stations. He also works
as a Launda dancer during the wedding
seasons. He is comfortable dressing as a
woman and his family has accepted this as
they are dependent on his income. According
to him “ I am not a Hijra, I did not undergo
castration but I have a guru who has accepted
me as a chela. I perform Launda dance during
wedding seasons and rest of the year I indulge
in begging and sex work”. He also admitted
to having multiple male sexual partners. He
is associated with a NGO that has regular
medical checkups and he is dependent on this
as he does not like spending time trying to
avail government medical facilities which he
feels is useless.
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LGBTQ Communities in India: Barriers in Accessing Health Care Facilities
Indian Journal of Health Social Work. 5(1) January-June, 2023
(CASE 5)
V* a homosexual man first realized his sexual
orientation was different when he felt aroused
at the sight of his male friends changing in a
locker room after their basketball match in
school. He was only 14 and had just hit
puberty. According to him, “For a year I tried
to dismiss these feelings as curiosity. It was
only a few years later that I had my first
sexual encounter with a boy in school. I went
through a phase of substance abuse during
college but as I had not come out of the closet
I had a normal medical process for dealing
with deaddiction. Even now I do not disclose
my sexual orientation during healthcare
procedures unless specifically asked. I am in
the media and being gay is accepted at my
workplace”. V* is in his mid-30s and has a
steady partner. For him homosexual roles are
unlike traditional marriage role and he prefers
mutually reciprocated sexual activity with his
partner. He seeks healthcare at private nursing
homes and chooses this over Government
institutions both because of ease of access,
quality of healthcare and time. His job gives
him the confidence and economic freedom to
access private healthcare.
(CASE 6)
R* is a lesbian woman living and working in
Delhi. She has been sexually active with both
sexes from college and only recently declared
herself a lesbian to her friends. According to
h e r, “ i n m y e a r l i e r h e t e r o n o r m a t i v e
r e l a t i o n s h i p s I f e l t c o n n e c t e d t o m e n
emotionally, but I soon realized that I was
attracted to women physically, emotionally
and mentally. Relationships with women gave
me a sense of completeness and identity.
Being a lesbian has no repercussions on my
health or health seeking behavior. I regularly
visit my gynecologist who is well aware of my
sexual orientation and my sexual practices”.
A major difference in attitude she feels can
be attributed to the sensitivity and awareness
of the doctor in a private metropolitan setting.
R* belongs to a middle class Bengali family
from Durgapur and till date her parents have
no idea about her sexual preferences as they
are still trying to set up matrimonial matches
for her. Coming out has not been possible and
that has caused some amount of mental
health issues for her.
DISCUSSION: India has traditionally been a patriarchal society, wherein the decision-making power often rests with male members of the family. This has created a social environment where alternate sexualities and gender identities are not readily accepted.The National Family Planning program initiated in 1952 primarily f oc u s e d o n c on t r ol l i ng b i r t h r a te s a n d population growth. While this program aimed to address population concerns, it did not adequately address the needs and rights of m a r g i n a l i z e d c o m m u n i t i e s , i n c l u d i n g transgender individuals. LGBTQ communities in India have historically faced social exclusion, discrimination, and st ig ma. Th is communi ty fri nge s on the m a r gi n s of so ci e ty, w h i c h ha ve s ev er e consequences for their self-esteem and sense of belonging. This s ocial exclusion a lso hampers their ability to fulfill their social responsibilities. Gender dysphoria and mental stress are common experiences for many transgender individuals. The realization of being different from the established societal norms often occurs during adolescence, leading to significant challenges in terms of identity and mental well-being. Recognizing the importance of addressing these mental health challenges, it is crucial to provide adequate support to transgender i n di v i du a l s. Co uns e li ng a nd p sy chi a tr i c therapy can play a significant role in assisting 4 6 LGBTQ Communities in India: Barriers in Accessing Health Care Facilities Indian Journal of Health Social Work. 5(1) January-June, 2023 transgender individuals battling depression and other psychological traumas. It is essential to recognize the necessity of such mental h e a l t h c a r e s e r v i c e s a n d m a k e t h e m accessible in government hospitals. In recent years, there have been positive d e v e l o p m e n t s i n I n d i a i n c o n t e x t o f transgender rights. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act has been passed in 2 0 1 9 , a im i n g t o p r o t e ct a n d e m p o w e r transgender individuals and provide them with equal opportunities and social inclusion. However, there is a considerable gap in terms of implementing and effectively addressing t h e v a r i o u s c h a l l e n g e s f a c e d b y t h e transgender community. Overall, promoting acceptance, equality, and inclusivity for transgender individuals is crucial in challenging the deeply ingrained so ci et a l a t t i tud e s a nd cre a t i n g a mo re s u p p o r t i v e e n v i r o nm e n t . T h i s r e q u i r e s c o l l e c t i v e e f f o r t s f r o m s o c i e t y, t h e government, healthcare systems, and various other stakeholders to ensure the well-being and rights of transgender individuals are protected and respected. The findings of the paper “Social Integration a n d H e a l t h : C o m m u n i t y I n v o l v e m e n t , Stigmatized Identities, and Sexual Risk in Latino Sexual Minorities” a major study by Va l l e s e t a l . i nd i ca t e s t h a t co m m un i ty i n vo l v eme nt h a s be e n re co gn i ze d a s a potentially effective intervention attributed to dealing with stigma of homosexuality among Latin American origin or descent. Sexually r i s k y b e h a v i o r s t e m s f r o m t h e g r o u p s alienation from the mainstream society. This study offers alternatives to improve HIV prevention efforts among sexual minorities. Similar to the findings of the afore mentioned s t u d y, c o m m u n i t y i n v o l v e m e n t a n d participation has been identified as a potential pathway to address issues of substance abuse and risky behaviour among the transgender community in India. By creating opportunities for transgender individuals to actively engage in organizations, advocacy, and support networks, their overall well-being and access to resources could improve, leading to better h e a l t h o u t c o m e s a n d r e d u c e d r i s k s o f substance use and sexual risk behaviors. Although studies have shown that gender exists on a s pectrum and e ncompa sses di ve r se ide nt it i es a nd e xp re s sion s , the medical field often simplifies it to a binary conce pt of ma le or fema l e a nd furth er confines gender roles to a linear binary as well: men are expected to be masculine, while women are expected to be feminine. As a result, individuals who do not conform to this binary understanding, such as cross dressers a nd Kothis , ma y fe el d is coura ged from s e e k i n g h e a l t h c a r e s e r v i c e s f r o m in stitutiona liz ed healthcare i nsti tutions. Transgenders shared that medical staff do not recognize their gender identity or rights; their f o c u s i s o n l y t h e b i o l o g i c a l b o d y. I n Government hospitals, transgender individuals are often confused about what line to stand in – the queue for male or female – and apprehensive about reporting their sex in the form. Another confusion regarding what ward they can be admitted in is also present. Since their biological identity is not in congruence to their expressed gender identity, they are forced to get admission to the ward for the opposite gender, this is a harrowing and deprecating experience as expressed by K*, a transwoman. Health problems arising from alcohol and substance abuse are a raging issue among Transgender communities. While it is difficult to determine the exact proportion of TG individuals who consume alcohol, it is crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity and recognize the complex factors that may contribute to these behaviors. The reasons provided by gender variant individuals for their 4 7 LGBTQ Communities in India: Barriers in Accessing Health Care Facilities Indian Journal of Health Social Work. 5(1) January-June, 2023 alcohol consumption can vary greatly and often include attempts to cope with stress, depression, or difficult life circumstances. These reasons can encompass a range of factors such as lack of family support, feelings of isolation or neglect, discrimination, or the challenges associated with sex work. These individuals may use alcohol as a means to temporarily alleviate distress or to cope with the emotional burdens they face. Although attributed to the pathology of homosexuality or variant gender identity in the past, higher prevalence of substance abuse and mental health disorders among LGBT individuals can be attributed to a concept known as “minority stress.” According to which real or expected prejudicial experiences lead to internalized homophobia, depression, and anxiety (UNDP, 2010) Sexual minority groups are vulnerable to developing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS. The reason that they are a high risk group is because of their propensity to reuse needles and indulge in unsafe sexual intercourse during commercial sex work both in heterosexual and homosexual relationships. The social customs in India constrain individuals from communicating explicitly about problems associated with sex, especially menstruation, sexual health and reproductive health. Multiple studies have cited reluctance to talk explicitly, including between spouses, about sex and sexual behavior as the biggest social obstacle to the control of HIV transmission and promotion of sexual health (Solomon et al. 1998, Sethi 2002). Inequality in the access of health care by LGBTQ community members exists across societies. For instance, transgender groups still lack a separate ward in any hospital or have designated beds set aside for them. They are often restricted entry inside hospitals and do not have separate ward reserved for inpatient care. Hijras and kothi s avoid these institutions because they are accommodated in male wards which are in deference to their practiced gender. Healthcare social work is the practice of social work that deals with the aspects of general health. Social workers have to ensure that LGBTQ communities have adequate access to health care needs as they are at a high-risk for various physical and mental illnesses. These basic facilities must be in place for all people irrespective of any differences. Gender variant patients are often mocked and ridiculed by hospital staff and kept waiting longer than other patients. Previous instances where both male and female doctors have refused to examine them have been reported. Those seeking treatment for a Sexually Transmitted Infection in hospitals have faced admonition or advice to change their sexual behaviour rather than receiving treatment. As a result, they do not like to go to hospitals even for general health issues; they prefer to go to the chemist shop instead. Providers s h o u l d a d o p t a f o r m a l p o l i c y o f n o n – discrimination and respect for each patient’s gender identity. Transgender groups (TG) specifically face a risk of developing emotional disorders because of the widespread stigma and discrimination they face in all spheres of the society. Suicide risks among same sex partners are higher than the other groups. Transgender youth are often forced out of their homes or choose to leave home because of parental rejection or fear of societal rejection, increasing their risk of homelessness, poverty, and associated negative consequences. These results in greater psychiatric morbidity risk among se xual minoritie s. Necessary codes a nd guidelines need to be formulated regarding Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) and other 4 8 LGBTQ Communities in India: Barriers in Accessing Health Care Facilities Indian Journal of Health Social Work. 5(1) January-June, 2023 procedures that Transgenders usually seek, namely mammoplasty (breast implants), vaginoplasty, facial hair removal, scalp hair growth, hormonal supplements and changing of voice.
CONCLUSION: The global disease and health problems of t r a n s g e n d e r p o p u l a t i o n s r e m a i n u n d e r researched, particularly in relation to the effects of stigma, discrimination, social, and structural factors that affect the health of this underserved population (Reisner et al, 2016). In the Indian context in identifying the transgender groups as a third gender, the Supreme Court passed this unique judgment in April 2014 stating one’s sexual orientation as the integral part of personality, dignity and freedom. Gender identity is at the core of one’s personal identity, gender expression and presentation and therefore, it will have to be protected under Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution. A transgender personality could b e e x p r e s s e d b y t h e b e h a v i o u r a n d presentation of a transgender. State cannot p r o h i b i t , r e s t r i c t o r i n t e r f e r e w i t h a transgender person’s expression of such personality, which reflects that inherent personality. In conclusion, “sexual minorities” experience lapses in health care that can be eliminated only if health care providers and clinicians educe information about alternative sexual orientation and gender identities from their patients. According to available studies it has been found that access to safe and effective healthcare services for LGBTQ and gender variant people is a crucial requirement for achieving their human rights. Globally it has been found that these particular groups are h i g h l y s u s c e p t i b l e t o t h e h u m a n immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases. Through critical evaluation of qualitative papers addressing barri ers t o a cces sing se xua l he a lthcare services for LGBTQIA groups, five themes were identified. Stigma as a barrier has been further sub-divided into stigma associated with sexuality, gender identity, HIV status, sex worker status and internalized stigma. The other barriers highlighted are lack of sexual health literacy, confidentiality issues, fatalism and structural barriers. This paper incorporates information about the LGBTQ individuals through thoughtful, nonjudgmental discussion and analysis of case histories. The need for awareness among medical professionals about the needs and concerns of “sexual minorities” is the foremost apprehension and in spite of increasing social acceptance, there is a long history of anti- LGBT bias in health care which continues to shape health-seeking behaviour and access to care for LGBT individuals. Although there a re n o LGBT- sp ecifi c dis ea s es , m ed ica l practitioners must be informed about LGBT health because of numerous health disparities which affect members of this population. Individual level intervention may be ineffective due to the absence of a holistic positive change at the health care system level. Access to information and education relating to sexuality and sexual health is essential to enable people to protect their health and make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive lives. To become more responsive to the needs of the LGBTQ community and sexual minorities in general the suggestions that a r i s e a r e b u i l d i n g i n c l u s i v e c l i n i c a l environment, setting a standard for doctorpatient communication, sensitive collection and documentation of data with respect to sexual orientation, encouraging cultural awareness, comprehensive staff training, and awareness generation on health issues for these communities. Investment on research initiatives in this area and inclusion of issues on sexual minority in the medical curriculum is of the utmost importance. This is crucial 4 9 LGBTQ Communities in India: Barriers in Accessing Health Care Facilities Indian Journal of Health Social Work. 5(1) January-June, 2023 for health professionals and medical social workers in improving their response to health disparities and become sensitive to the needs of the LGBTQ community. Although social acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in India has been improving during the last decade, LGBTQ individuals continue to f a c e s t i gm a a n d d i s cr im i n a ti o n . Th e s e negative experiences, combined with a lack of access to culturally-affirming and informed h e a l t h c a r e , r e s u l t i n m u l t i p l e h e a l t h di sparities for LGBT populations. Soci al workers can play a crucial role in changing the existing conditions. They can advocate for inclusive policies and practices within the healthcare system, provide support to LGBTQ individuals, and contribute to creating a more equitable society.
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