31/05/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL
The research report titled “Where are Trans Men/Masculine and Nonbinary People in Sexual Health and Gynecology Checks?” prepared by Kapsama Alanı and Muamma LGBTI+ Education and Research Association, has been published.
The report prepared by Baran Zülal Dumanlıdağ, Ecmel Deniz Doğan, and Utku Kutbay discusses the barriers trans men, trans masculine, and nonbinary people face in accessing sexual health and gynecological care, along with their experiences and expectations from healthcare providers.
According to the findings of the research, 58.20 percent of trans+ people stated that they did not go to gynecological check-ups. The primary reason for this, cited by 17.10 percent of respondents, was the concern of encountering transphobia. The report included the following statements:
“… most trans people do not go to hospitals, i.e., public institutions, because they already know, anticipate, or feel what they will be exposed to there. Most trans people do not go to the hospital. Just as they do not go to the courthouse, they cannot go to school, and they cannot go to the police station.”
The report indicated that 51.50 percent of trans+ people had to visit state hospitals for gynecological check-ups. It emphasized that the main reason for this necessity was “economic inadequacy.” Additionally, the report pointed out that 73.5 percent of trans+ individuals live at the poverty line, and 11.3 percent lack health insurance.
41.86 percent of the trans+ could not receive the necessary treatment
Another section of the report, titled “Discrimination Experienced in Gynecological Checks,” revealed significant issues faced by trans+ people. According to the findings of the report:
79.84 percent of trans+ people said that doctors addressed them by their identity name during gynecological checks.
41.86 percent of the trans+ participants could not receive the necessary treatment due to doctors who were uninformed about their sexual orientation and gender identity.
30.90 percent of trans+ people stated that they could not clearly express their gender identity during gynecological check-ups.
30.50 percent reported being unable to openly express their sexual orientation.
The report also highlighted that these problems negatively affected the frequency of gynecological visits. 43.70 percent of trans+ individuals said that the frequency of their gynecologist visits decreased due to the issues they experienced:
“I cannot go because I am exposed to different attitudes in terms of image and identity change.”
Forty percent of those who faced discrimination in gynecological controls and test centers did not apply to any complaint mechanism:
“When I applied, not only did I not get any results, but I also read the false statement of the doctor who inflicted violence on me. I don’t want to fight this alone because I am left alone; I don’t feel solidarity and support. I have no strength.”
Additionally, 65.10 percent of trans+ people could not get tests for sexually transmitted infections due to the inadequacy of health institutions. Furthermore, 50.90 percent of trans+ people participating in the research said they rarely have access to information that covers their gender identity, sexual orientation, and is based on their sexual experiences:
“Most sexual health information is provided from a heterosexist perspective. Since heteronormativity is prevalent, I cannot get comprehensive information on the sexual health of queers. The rare information that is available focuses on same-sex relationships and is conveyed by assigning gender.”
Moreover, 65.10 percent of trans+ people stated that they did not have tests for sexually transmitted infections because health institutions did not provide sufficient information.
“Legislators should enact laws that include sanctions against discrimination of LGBTI+ people”
Some of the recommendations highlighted within the scope of the report are as follows:
The curriculum in medical education should be organized to address the needs of LGBTI+ and trans+ people. Including this perspective in training and using inclusive language can help reduce discrimination.
Health workers should be reminded that they should not discriminate against anyone in the provision of health services as a matter of professional ethics. The importance of this issue should be emphasized in various professional statements, the anti-discrimination clause in the Hippocratic Oath should be highlighted, and it should be widely disseminated that any discriminatory action or discourse is contrary to professional ethics.
Legislators should enact laws that include sanctions against discrimination of LGBTI+ people. Trans+ identities and all LGBTI+ people should be legally recognized. Effective complaint mechanisms should be established for all types of discriminatory acts and discourse against gender identity, sexual orientation and violations of many other fundamental rights such as health. There should be sanctions for discrimination. Health workers should be regularly monitored.
Failure to implement existing health policies in practice should be prevented, and visibility and awareness-raising activities on these rights should be carried out to popularize these policies.
In terms of access to health services, access to gynecological check-ups and all sexual health examinations, tests and vaccinations should be universal and free of charge.
Click here to read the full report in Turkish.
Tags: human rights
