Transgender people's perspective on healthcare personnel during their gender transition in Santiago, Chile

Abstract

Introduction: According to the Asociación Organizando Trans Diversidades (Trans Diversity Organisation Association), the concept of gender identity is defined as an individual experience, independent of the sex assigned at birth, which is often violated in healthcare due to social stigma. Despite the existence of Ministry of Health policies, current gender regulations are scarce and outdated. Objective: To explore the role that transgender people over the age of 18 assign to health professionals during their transition process, identifying their transition trajectory, the importance of health personnel, the perception of transgender people regarding professionals, and recognising the support process provided by these professionals. Methodology: Qualitative research through semi-structured interviews with 11 transgender people. Results: Transgender individuals mention that they begin their gender transition in the final stage of adolescence. The perception of transgender individuals regarding healthcare personnel is that they lack knowledge about possible treatments. Discussion: Discrimination against transgender individuals is mainly exercised by doctors and psychologists, specifically in the public sector, where they question identity, engage in verbal aggression, mockery, and devaluation of the community. Conclusions: The comparison of the results with the literature is consistent when discussing the beginning of the journey and the lack of knowledge about therapies. With regard to discrimination, according to the respondents, it is reception and nursing staff who engage in these actions.