“I am neither opposed to nor in favor of it”: social representations of Primary Health Care Professionals on LGBTIphobia

Abstract

Introduction: The discrimination and suffering faced by LGBTI+ individuals in health services have become increasingly evident, especially in Primary Health Care (PHC), highlighting barriers to access and impacts on the quality of care. Methodology: This is a descriptive social research study with a qualitative approach, grounded in Serge Moscovici’s Theory of Social Representations. The study was conducted at a Family Health Unit in the metropolitan region of Recife, Pernambuco, between March and June 2023, involving professionals from family health and oral health teams. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observation, followed by thematic and similarity analysis. Results: Three main categories emerged: (1) LGBTIphobia as a naturalized representation among PHC professionals; (2) emotional distress as a consequence of LGBTIphobia and a lack of knowledge regarding the specific health needs of LGBTI+ individuals; and (3) the (re)production of LGBTIphobic practices. The identified social representations reflect stigmatizing practices that compromise the care provided to the LGBTI+ population. Conclusion: The findings highlight an urgent need for awareness-raising and the implementation of inclusive policies in PHC. We emphasize the mandatory inclusion of sexual and gender diversity themes in the training and continuing education of professionals, as well as the creation of institutional protocols to identify and address discriminatory practices through continuous monitoring and social participation.