The transsexualization process from the narrative of trans people, managers and health professionals

Abstract

Access to healthcare for the trans population emerges as an issue that deserves attention, especially when noting that this right has been widely denied throughout history, affecting the development of services and comprehensive health care. Qualitative study with ethnographic strategies, aiming to analyze the lived experience of transgender individuals and their experiences within health services. Data collection techniques included participant observation, which facilitated the creation of a semi-structured interview guide to steer discussions with participants. A total of 30 individuals were interviewed, consisting of 22 trans people, 6 healthcare professionals, and 2 managers. Discussing health policies and effective services necessitates an understanding of the intersectional aspects that shape the needs of trans individuals, who face significant barriers in accessing healthcare and medical technologies. Specialized services in the gender transition process are centralized, offering limited access. The provision of hormones and the inadequate performance of surgeries through the SUS (Brazil’s Unified Health System) were identified as major barriers to the realization of the right to health. Social and programmatic vulnerabilities impact the health experiences of this population, and the training of healthcare professionals is highlighted as a crucial factor for transforming specialized care.