The panellists shared that in the absence of legislation prohibiting healthcare discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and as is evident in the current healthcare landscape within the island, the level of awareness and prominence given to the healthcare concerns of LGBT people – there is a considerable disparity. She stated that healthcare disparities faced by the LGBT community and the eventual de-stigmatisation must be a collective commitment that sees an ongoing collaboration. She shared an example where recently she came across such an incident where certified healthcare workers acted in a discriminatory manner against an LGBT individual. Harendran shared that we certainly have a marvellous healthcare sector, and she very much appreciates it. However, there is this massive gap between what’s available and what is made accessible to those belonging to sexual minorities.

Source: The Nation August 01, 2021 18:45 UTC