The research titled “Attitudes of Health Professionals towards Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity,” conducted within the scope of the Rainbow Project, funded by the European Union under the Cypriot Civil Society in Action VII Grant Program and implemented by the Queer Cyprus Association, has been published and made available online.
The Rainbow Project, funded by the European Union under the Civil Society in Action VII Grant Program and implemented by the Queer Cyprus Association, aims to promote LGBTI+ inclusivity in the education and healthcare sectors in the northern part of Cyprus. In this context, the research titled “Attitudes of Health Professionals towards Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity” conducted under the Rainbow Project has been printed and published online.
The Content and Scope of the Report
In this study, an LGBTI+ attitude scale and an emotional thermometer were used to assess the attitudes of healthcare professionals in the northern part of Cyprus towards LGBTI+s, as part of the efforts to create an LGBTI+ inclusive curriculum in the health sector. Additionally, the research included questions about myths surrounding LGBTI+s, attitudes towards LGBTI+s in healthcare settings and knowledge on education related to LGBTI+ healthcare disparities. Furthermore, questions were included about expressions used when interacting with LGBTI+ clients/patients. Finally, questions about demographic characteristics and past education and work experience related to LGBTI+ issues were asked. Research was conducted by Prof. Dr. Shenel Hüsnü Raman and research assistants Ziba Sertbay and Kaan Berkan. Data was collected from doctors, dentists, nurses, clinical psychologists, and physiotherapists over a 4-month period between 2022-23 by a counseling and research center.
4 out of 10 Healthcare Professionals Do Not Have Enough Information About Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity!
The findings indicate that healthcare professionals have relatively positive attitudes rather than negative ones. However, notable findings include that 4 out of 10 participants lack sufficient knowledge about LGBTI+ terminology, and more than half of them are unaware of local legal text that have “decriminalized” homosexuality.
Healthcare Professionals Demand LGBTI+ Awareness Training to Fight Myths!
About half the participants lack clear knowledge on whether sexual orientation can change through therapy or interventions. The study also reveals a significant lack of knowledge regarding intersex issues, emphasizing the importance of addressing and rectifying this misinformation. 72 percent of participants stated that they have not received any education on LGBTI+ topics to date, while 83% expressing a desire to receive education and enhance their knowledge is one of the most striking findings.
Necessity of LGBTI+ Inclusive Policies and “Legal Changes”
Recognizing healthcare workers’ misconceptions and insufficient knowledge about LGBTI+ issues, alongside their willingness to receive education and improve, highlights the urgency of implementing specialized training. This is essential to combat and prevent prejudice and discrimination against LGBTI+ individuals in healthcare effectively. Additionally, enhancing anti-discrimination local legal text, addressing enforcement gaps, and improving oversight will foster a more inclusive healthcare system.
For more information about the report…
To access the full research report, you can visit the “Reports” section on the Queer Cyprus Association’s website through the following link: https://rb.gy/yjfq7 . Additionally, if you prefer a hard copy of the report, you can obtain one by visiting our organization. If you have further questions about the research or would like to get in touch with the association, you can contact us at +90 542 858 58 47 or via email at info@queercyprus.org.
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