Gender diversity and access to the Unified Health System

Abstract

Objective: To understand the dimensions of access to and comprehensive care in the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS) from the gender diversity perspective. Methods: Qualitative exploratory research carried out in Primary Health Care centers of the Primary Health Care network in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, with (n=19) lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transvestites and transsexuals (LGBT). Data were collected in 2016 through four focus groups and a guiding question: “How would you like to see the access to, the quality and the organization of the actions and services offered to the LGBT population?”. Data underwent content analysis. Results: Four interpretative categories emerged, one for each group analyzed: Gynecological care for lesbians; The effeminate gay in the health services; In search of equity for transvestites; The assumed name for transsexual women in SUS. The lesbians said they face barrier to the access to health services and gynecological care; for gays, access is more difficult for those effeminate; for transvestites, the equity of care in specific outpatient clinics was pointed out as an important strategy; and for transsexual women, the use of the assumed name should be incorporated into the routine of health services. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for access to comprehensive health care networks by the LGBT people in order to promote their inclusion in the several social spaces, foster respect and facilitate equitable practices.