LGBTQ+ persons might have healthcare needs that are specific and unique to their experiences. Some of the common healthcare issues are:
- Mental health issues
- Sexual health issues
- Physical issues with respect to gender-altering surgeries
There may also be a social bias present, which may make accessing adequate healthcare difficult. For example, a therapist may refuse to treat someone because they are gay or a transgender person. This may result in people avoiding treatment in a timely manner, or may result in a person not disclosing their true gender/sexual identity, which may lead to added complications. This is why it is important for to understand your rights while accessing healthcare.
If a person faces any discrimination while accessing medical or psychological healthcare, they can take action to alleviate the problem. Read for more options in our explainer “What are the options if there is discrimination and harassment by medical personnel against LGBTQ+ persons?“.