Society has always been filled with a variety of individuals who have different identities and preferences. Some people are straight, while others are gay.
Despite this diversity, most people still believe that heterosexuality is normal. Because of this notion, they discriminate against those who identify as something else. The LGBTQ+ community faces many challenges due to these biases, including inequitable access to healthcare services. This paper examines how societal prejudices against them can perpetuate structural violence through unequal treatment in medical facilities.
Structural Violence
Structural violence occurs when institutions or policies create barriers to wellness for specific groups of people. In the case of healthcare, it happens when LGBTQ+ individuals face mistreatment from doctors, nurses, and other professionals due to their identity.
Some practitioners may refuse to provide care because they disagree with their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can lead to serious consequences if someone needs urgent attention but cannot get it because of bigotry.
Some hospitals may lack inclusive practices, meaning LGBTQ+ patients must endure discomfort or humiliation during visits. Both types of structural violence can contribute to poor outcomes and worsen existing health disparities.
Societal Inequities
One reason why there is such an issue is that society creates social norms based on what it considers "normal." Heteronormativity permeates almost every aspect of life, including medicine. Many people assume that all people are cisgender, which means they were assigned a male or female sex at birth and identify with that same gender. Similarly, most believe that everyone should be attracted to members of the opposite sex. As a result, those who break these rules become targets of oppression.
Take the experience of a trans person seeking mental health assistance. If they present as male despite being born female, some providers might refuse to help them since treating their condition would require hormones or surgery. They could also deny treatment for depression because of negative beliefs about trans individuals' identities. These attitudes create barriers to quality care even when medical personnel have no personal bias against them.
Not all insurance companies cover treatments necessary for transitioning, so trans folks often face economic hardships when pursuing affirmative care. The lack of coverage exacerbates their physical and emotional struggles, leading to higher risks for suicide attempts and other adverse health events. This is true even if they find doctors willing to provide services without judging them. It reflects how societal prejudices intersect with institutional policies to produce inequitable outcomes for LGBTQ+ patients.
Inequality affects LGBTQ+ individuals from start to finish during their interactions with medical professionals. Societal norms perpetuate discrimination by telling society what is "normal" and making it difficult for nonconformists to get essential care. Practitioners may ignore their needs or charge more money due to stigma against their identity.
Healthcare systems can lack inclusive practices that make people feel comfortable receiving treatment. Overcoming these challenges requires addressing both structural violence and societal biases simultaneously. Until then, the community will continue facing unnecessary obstacles accessing high-quality medical attention and achieving wellness.
How do societal inequities in healthcare perpetuate structural violence against LGBTQ+ populations?
Structural violence refers to systemic oppression that occurs within a society's institutions and social structures. In this context, societal inequalities in healthcare can lead to the marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals who may not have access to adequate medical care due to factors such as discrimination, stigma, and lack of understanding.