Response to the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee Health and Social Care and LGBT Communities Inquiry
Download (PDF 1.25 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Suffolk used its evidence on the experiences of LGBT+ people accessing health and social care services to respond to the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee Health and Social Care and LGBT Communities Inquiry. They spoke to 61 people through a survey and also analysed findings from their “My Health, Our Future” project involving more than 7,000 young people, alongside engagement with a local transgender youth support group. The research found that while some people reported positive experiences and felt their sexuality or gender identity was not an issue in their care, many described experiences of inequality, stigma, assumptions about sexuality and gender, inappropriate questioning and difficulties accessing support tailored to their needs.
Respondents reported examples of healthcare professionals making assumptions that patients were heterosexual, feeling unable to discuss their sexuality openly and concerns about discrimination affecting the quality of care they received. Some LGBT+ people described barriers accessing gender identity services, inconsistent support from GPs and long waits for specialist treatment. Transgender respondents highlighted particular difficulties accessing timely hormone-related care and finding healthcare professionals with sufficient knowledge and training.
The report also found that LGBT+ young people experienced poorer emotional wellbeing than their non-LGBT+ peers. Young people who did not identify as straight reported lower wellbeing scores, higher levels of body image concerns, increased rates of self-harm, more experiences of online bullying and greater use of social media. Many described feeling isolated, judged or misunderstood, while transgender young people frequently reported experiences of gender dysphoria and concerns about acceptance both within services and wider society.
Healthwatch Suffolk concluded that inequality, stigma and difficulties accessing appropriate support continue to affect many LGBT+ people. The report highlighted the need for improved awareness and training for healthcare professionals, better access to specialist services for transgender people, stronger mental health support and greater recognition of the specific health and wellbeing needs of LGBT+ communities.