Problematization and Perspectives about Health Care of Homosexual and Bisexual Males of Health Staff in 13 Public Hospitals

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This article presents results of a study organized by the AIDS and STD Direction of the Ministry of Health that sought to investigate the vulnerability to HIV/ AIDS and STIs and the problems of access to health care of gay, bisexual and trans people in Argentina. OBJECTIVE: To describe the health care responses to the demands of homosexual and bisexual men in different public hospitals of Argentina, analyzing practices, knowledge and experiences of professionals and health staff in relation to the care of sexual minorities and under current care conditions. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted, with 180 semi-structured interviews to health personnel belonging to 13 public hospitals. RESULTS: The answers of the respondents included diverse forms of recognition of sexual diversity that combined varying and even conflicting topics, conventions and stereotypes about what is normal and acceptable in sexual and social practices. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the variability of evaluations and associations, and of the tension between universalism and particularism in the characterization of health care practices, led to the recognition of limits in the production of a rights discourse of homosexual and bisexual men. The study also highlighted processes of critical reflection by some professional actors who acknowledged that caring for these patients demanded from them new and changing therapeutic resources