BODIES IN ALLIANCE: ACTION RESEARCH IN THE COLLECTIVE CONSTRUCTION OF LGBTI+ HEALTH
Keywords: Health Services for Transgender Persons; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Minority Health; Primary Health Care
Introduction: Despite the existence of public policies, there are still many challenges regarding the health of the LGBTI+ population. This population remains unaware of the services available in the healthcare system, and healthcare professionals are still detached from these social changes and the specific needs of these users. These issues may also reflect a health education system that does not adequately prepare professionals, both in terms of attitudinal dimensions (developing competencies in postures, attitudes, and values) and clinical competence. It is necessary to develop actions and activities to implement the proposals outlined in legal frameworks. Objective: To understand the care, access, and health assistance for the LGBTI+ population in Rio Grande do Norte and to develop strategies to strengthen public health policies for this population in the primary care network of Natal. Methodology: The research is qualitative and will be conducted using various methodological designs, depending on the research question, and will be executed based on the principles of action research. The study population consisted of LGBTI+ individuals, representatives of social movements, managers and health professionals, and other social actors working on LGBTI+ health issues. Results: The main strengths and difficulties for the health of the LGBTI+ population in Rio Grande do Norte were identified, specifically in two primary care services in the municipality of Natal. The main problems identified, such as the unpreparedness of professionals in caring for LGBTI+ individuals, issues in health assistance, and insufficient organization of the care network, were considered for organizing workshops in Basic Health Units. Conclusions: The main outcome of the study was the strengthening of the care network, particularly in primary care, for the qualified care of LGBTI+ individuals, reducing health inequities and expanding rights by improving access to the SUS (Unified Health System). The choice of action research methodology, with its emancipatory character and participatory and collective planning and execution of research actions, allows greater autonomy for social actors, contributing to political education and strengthening the fight for their rights, thus sustaining the actions. The activities conducted in the territory can be replicated nationwide and may serve as a model to consolidate existing Comprehensive LGBTI+ Health Care policies and support the creation of new public policies.