“Problematic at best”: LGBTIQ+ healthcare laid bare in report

A scathing report has slammed healthcare for gender diverse Tasmanians as “problematic at best”, with some discriminated against and even assaulted. THIS STORY MAY BE SENSITIVE FOR SOME READERS. >>

The gaps in healthcare for lesbian, gay, gender diverse and queer Tasmanians have been laid bare in a report of what life in Tasmania is like for the LGBTIQ+ community, with many reporting inadequate access to services, discrimination and even sexual assault at the hands of medical professionals.

825 people, aged 14 and above, were surveyed for the project, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Tasmania and commissioned by Communities Tasmania.

Mental health was flagged as one of the biggest concerns for the community, with many participants reporting a lack of access to services.

A rainbow flag. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

The survey found it was often difficult to see a mental health professional because of long wait times, particularly rural and regional areas.

It also showed many of those who were able to access assistance found mental health professionals sometimes lacked knowledge of LGBTIQ+ care or treated LGBTIQ patients poorly based on their identity.

“I met a homophobic psychiatrist who gave me dangerous advice and refused to see me again after he found out I was gay,” one participant said.

“You might be waiting on the list for psychologists for so long, but that particular psychologist may not have any form of training to deal with queer issues,” another said.

Bulk billing and underfunded services were also major concerns.

A medical centre. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

Health for transgender and gender diverse people who participated in the study was described as “problematic at best”.

Some transgender participants reported being assaulted by healthcare practitioners who had inappropriate curiosities.

“I’m trans, and saw a urologist in Hobart, to have a prostate exam. He not only probed my anus (expected) but probed my vagina (unexpected) and later “complimented me” on the “work” and asked who my surgeon was,” a participant said.

“This felt invasive and creepy.”

Barriers around gender affirming healthcare were also noted, with the report’s authors finding it was almost impossible to access gender reaffirming surgery in Tasmania.

Participants reported a need for more LGBTIQ+ inclusive healthcare, LGBTIQ+ specific services, like gender clinics.

There were also anti-discrimination training for health professionals.

“They called my orientation a “lifestyle”. They were an older male doctor who later apologised,” a survey participant said.

“I have overheard transphobic conversations between health professionals, for instance, which made me feel unwelcome and powerless,” another said.

The release of the report follows the 25th anniversary of homosexual decriminalisation in Tasmania.

Rodney Croome, President of Equality Tasmania Picture: Linda Higginson

Equality Tasmania president Rodney Croome said the report showed Tasmania had come a long way but had a ways to go to becoming truly inclusive.

“The report shows that LGBTIQ+ Tasmanians are deeply concerned about mental ill-health and the stigma that causes it, by continued abuse and bullying, especially in schools, and by the extra hurdles faced by rural, elderly and transgender members of our community,” Mr Croome said.

“While many survey respondents said Tasmania is a wonderful place to live, they also made it clear the Government must do much more to ensure LGBTIQ+ Tasmanians have the same quality of life as other Tasmanians.”

Follow @JudyAugustine