LGBT Wellness Centre

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