Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Sexual and reproductive healthcare services and needs (SRHS) are essential
for improving overall health and well-being. Queer people face obstacles not only in
obtaining and receiving SRHS but also in the provision of these services by healthcare
professionals (HCPs).
AIM: The study explored and described the challenges experienced by HCPs and queer people
when providing and accessing SRHS in the Gauteng province.
SETTING: We collected data from seven district public hospitals and two non-governmental
organisation clinics that focussed on queer-related healthcare in the Gauteng province,
South Africa.
METHODS: This was an explorative-descriptive qualitative study, in which we conducted
55 one-on-one interviews. The researchers employed purposive sampling to select all
HCPs, and respondent-driven sampling for all queer people who participated in the
study.
RESULTS: Six main themes emerged, demonstrating that HCPs and queer people faced
similar, contrasting and differing challenges when rendering and receiving SRHS. These
themes include HCPs’ belief that queer people are afraid, while queer people perceive
HCPs as having negative attitudes and acting as gatekeepers. HCPs expressed surprise
and confusion regarding gender identity, healthcare disparities and familial issues, which
highlighted their feelings of incompetence in providing queer-related healthcare and their
engagement with queer people as a barrier.
CONCLUSION: Policies need to be strengthened to ensure inclusivity in the healthcare sector,
thus, addressing SRHS for queer people.
CONTRIBUTION: The findings from this study have the potential to bridge discrepancies
and address the challenges faced by both HCPs and queer people through policy
development.
