The Government of São Paulo opened the first hospital designed to care for gays, transvestites and transgender people. In the month of the Gay Pride and Lesbian Walk, two events that I consider so remarkable (both for the visibility they promote and for the promotion of better social acceptance of sexual diversity as a whole), I considered the opening of this hospital a setback, since instead to unite, segregate.
Why does it segregate? Well, there are controversies on this issue, as there is also regarding the need for a parade for gays and a walk for lesbians. Controversies arise because they begin to raise questions such as: if we want to be seen with naturalness and respect, why do we have to self-segregate ourselves by promoting a parade to show that we exist? Why do we have to open nightclubs and bars for gays and lesbians only? Why did the state government decide to open a hospital designed to care only for gays, transvestites and transgender people?
My strictly personal opinion regarding the parade and the lesbian walk is that they are two wonderful events that show with joy and relaxation that gays and lesbians exist and are not afraid to show themselves and be who they are. Regarding bars and nightclubs, I think it's a way for people who have similar thoughts and choices to come together. As statistically they say that we are only 10% of the population, I think it is easier to have dating, meetings and even chats with like-minded people than going to generic places.
However, if we got used to the fact that we really need to show ourselves and be who we are everywhere, maybe we wouldn't need strictly gay places anymore. There are still prejudices on the part of some heterosexuals who think that the demonstration of affection and affection between people of the same sex is an offense to their masculinity or femininity, therefore, to have fun peacefully, unfortunately it is still necessary to hide. After all, how many people have been attacked for exposing their sexuality in public? So, we continue with our bars and the like.
My fear and doubt regarding the hospital is the involvement of the State, the social institution as a whole. Such a guideline can direct our journey towards a future that can give rise to prejudice rather than end it.
I believe that every healthcare professional should be prepared to care for gays, transvestites and transgender people and not create a single place where these people can go, because only there will they be welcomed. In fact, I really think that such professionals should be excluded from their rights to be called “professionals” if they treat any individual with disrespect or prejudice. In the case of us, professionals in the field of mental health and psychology, the regional council determines that any psychologist who treats homosexuals as a disease or with distinction must be punished.
Is it strange to think that you are a person who changed your birth sex and are looking for a hospital because you have a chronic stomachache attack and you are turned away at the door because they don't know if they treat you as a man or a woman? Like this?
People don't have to imagine anything! It is likely that a person who has changed their sex will present their birth identity at the reception of any hospital, however, it is also obvious that it must be made clear to the attendant that it is possible to be dealing with a case of sex change. Therefore, if someone arrives at the reception desk and is called Carlos, but asks to be called Carla, this person has the right to be respected and this right to be respected. Now, who is creating a segregated hospital so as not to embarrass anyone? The person who is receiving or who is being received? Dear readers, please, I'm in doubt, enlighten me, what do we have to do, segregate ourselves or try to be respected?
Education must exist in homes and schools, the government should be concerned about this and the quality of public education. As people are educated to live with diversity, there is no need to exclude them. However, if I am wrong and what gays, transvestites and transgender people say, is it necessary for care to be sectorized in this way and for this type of segregation to exist so that the area of public health moves towards humanized and dignified care for any individual?
I appreciate the opinions and I am reassured that to date no doctor has treated me differently because of my sexual orientation.
* Regina Claudia Izabela is a psychologist and writes weekly in this space. Participate, send questions or comments to email claudia@dykerama.com.
