Celebrating Pride Month: An Exploration of Sexual and Reproductive Health Experiences in the LGBTQIA+ Community
19 June 2024 . 4 min read
Menstruation, birth control pills and pregnancy have always traditionally been associated with women. But are we being inclusive? Today, with a growing LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and others) community (estimated to be around 10% of India’s population), is it fair to restrict sexual and reproductive health issues to the cis-gender women?
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is vital for every human being, regardless of their sexual identity, and encompasses a wide range of aspects related to one’s physical and emotional well-being, including menstruation, contraception, fertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and access to quality healthcare services.
This Pride Month, let’s briefly explore sexual and reproductive health experiences in the LGBTQIA+ community in this blog!
What is Pride Month?
Pride Month celebrates the identities, achievements, and ongoing pursuits of the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide to seek equality. It commemorates the Stonewall Riots, which occurred in 1969 in Manhattan and is considered a pivotal moment in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.
When is Pride Month?
Pride Month is celebrated every June to honor the history, resilience, and ongoing fight for equality and justice of the LGBTQIA+ community. Behind the vibrant colors and the parades, there is a critical aspect of overall well-being that the LGBTQIA+ community individuals seek—equality in seeking sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
Why is Sexual and Reproductive Health Important for the LGBTQIA+ Community?
Sexual and reproductive health services are a right for every human, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community. From offering comprehensive pregnancy care to family planning, abortion care, menstrual products and treatment for reproductive health disorders, these services help queer women, transgender individuals, and non-binary people live a healthy life.
However, the LGBTQIA+ community often find it difficult to receive access to care. Many healthcare providers assume that LGBTQIA+ issues revolve around HIV/AIDS and mental health, leading to bias and discrimination due to lack of proper training. Medical education rarely covers the sexual and reproductive health challenges of the community, leaving doctors unprepared. Additionally, discrimination from HR policies and hospital practices that adversely affect LGBTQIA+ patients, is often overlooked.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Challenges in the LGBTQIA+ Community
The LGBTQIA+ community faces unique challenges in menstruation, contraception, and reproduction, involving both medical and emotional factors. These aspects of SRH can cause significant distress (gender dysphoria) for those who feel their gender identity doesn't match their biological sex. Many face social stigma and find it hard to discuss these concerns with healthcare providers. Let’s explore the nuances of these conditions:
Menstruation
Transgender men and some non-binary people may still get periods even after starting testosterone therapy, leading to issues like painful or irregular periods. Adjusting hormone dosages or using different methods (injections, implants) can help manage these problems.
Contraception
Considering the variety in anatomy and gender identities within the LGBTQIA+ community – it is natural to ask, what are the different methods of contraception that are suitable for its members?
- Lesbians and Gay Men: Barrier methods (condoms, dental dams) are useful to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Hormonal birth control isn't usually needed for pregnancy prevention.
- Transgender Men (Assigned Female at Birth): Testosterone reduces the chance of pregnancy by stopping ovulation, but additional contraception might be needed, especially early in treatment. Options include the pill, patch, or ring to stop periods.
- Transgender Women (Assigned Male at Birth): Do not need birth control for pregnancy but may use hormones (estrogen and progesterone) for body changes like breast development.
- Non-Binary Individuals: Contraception choices depend on assigned sex at birth, sexual activity, partners, and gender identity.
- Intersex Individuals: Have varied reproductive systems and hormone profiles, affecting pregnancy ability and birth control needs.
Reproduction
Pregnancy is usually possible only for those assigned female at birth (AFAB). Assisted reproductive technology (ART) like surrogacy helps some LGBTQIA+ people have children. Biological limits can cause feelings of isolation for those who want to be parents.
Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach, considering both medical needs and emotional well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Positive Steps Toward Inclusive Healthcare for LGBTQIA+ in India
Despite ongoing challenges, India is making significant strides in LGBTQIA+ healthcare. Dr. RML Hospital in Delhi opened the country’s first dedicated outpatient department (OPD) for transgender individuals, providing services like hormone therapy, mental health counselling, and HIV/STI treatment. Other hospitals, such as Osmania General Hospital in Hyderabad and Noida’s District Hospital, have also established specialized clinics for transgender patients, ensuring they receive comprehensive and respectful care.
Conclusion
This Pride Month, let’s pledge to make healthcare access more inclusive, informed, and respectful of everyone’s SRH needs without discrimination that’s rooted in gender or sexual preferences.