Health care centres are notoriously ill-mannered and punishing. Even Snow White would be
offended at most; so when it comes to people who are gay, bisexual or
transgendered– a visit to the clinic is like being locked inside your worst
nightmare.
The LGBT communities in Guyana know this. Although we know where these clinics
are located, fewer than half seek care and of those who do seek care, less than
a quarter feel good about the visit.
From the receptionist at the front desk to the nurse in the examination
room, the stigma and discrimination we find are enough to make a grown wo/man
cry.
“Once they realise you are transgender they start to whisper and give you looks, unless
you know the doctor or someone at the hospital you won’t get good treatment” – Trans seeking care
Lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, like all people, want health care
environments where they feel welcomed and respected. However, LGBT people face
several barriers to accessing inclusive and affirming care. If you can get past the stigma, then you face
the ignorance of the providers about what could be making you ill, what questions
to ask you and what kinds of screenings to conduct.
There is
a lot to be learned about meeting the health needs of the LGBT communities. Our ignorance limits access to health services for key populations. Creating an
inclusive and affirming environment is not difficult or expensive, but it does
involve dedicated effort and focus. The LGBT Wellness Centre at Guyana Transunited is a first attempt at changing the way health
service providers approach LGBT healthcare.
The LGBT Wellness Centre will be staffed by Dr Ruth
Jacobs, Guyana Transunited staff and health providers from the Ministry of
Health through the National AIDS Programme Secretariat. In preparation, Dr
Jacobs will be completing a rotation at the Callen Lorde
Community Health Centre in New York City. The Callen-Lorde Centre is a leader
in the provision of sensitive, quality health care to New York's lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender communities -- in all their diversity.
The LGBT Wellness Centre at GTU offers:
·
HIV Counselling & Testing
·
STI Screening
·
Blood Pressure Testing
·
Screening for Intimate Partner Violence and Care for Survivors
·
Psychosocial Counselling
·
Referrals and Linkage to Services
·
Peer Support
·
Buddy club
To make an appointment, call 674-8741
