Perspectives of the Filipino LGBTQ+ community in the National Capital Region in healthcare: A Photovoice project

Abstract

Background: LGBTQ+ populations worldwide bear a disproportionate burden of health disparities aggravated by stigma and discrimination in healthcare. This struggle is worsened in the Philippines due to systemic barriers, outdated medical curricula, and the pervasive stigma in society, making it harder for LGBTQ+ individuals to access healthcare.

Methodology: A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach using the photovoice method was used to describe and co-construct perspectives from LGBTQ+ individuals related to healthcare access in the Philippine healthcare system. The LGBTQ+ participants who resided in Metro Manila were asked to capture photographs representing their healthcare experiences. Focused group discussions (FGD) were then utilized as a platform for collective discussions and interpretations of these photos, enabling the participants to voice their stories and views about healthcare access.

Results: The results are represented in seven photographs, symbolizing seven key themes that are illustrative of the importance of narrating LGBTQ+ stories in healthcare, solidarity among the community for better access, the urgent need for a call to make healthcare spaces inclusive, navigation through intersecting identities, interaction between healthcare professionals and LGBTQ+ individuals, the call for systemic change to be fitted to the needs of LGBTQ+ people, and diverse healthcare challenges among transgender people.

Conclusion: The findings point to the strong call for systemic reforms in the Philippine healthcare system to better support the needs of LGBTQ+ people. This study highly recommends that lived experiences should be included in health practices and policies as a basis for inclusivity and equity.