Social Work with People Practicing Same-Sex ... - ILGA Europe

There is hardly anyone whose
sexual life, if it were broadcast,
would not fill the world at large
with surprise and horror.
William Somerset Maugham,
English writer, 1874—1965
The only unnatural sexual act is
that, which you cannot perform.
Alfred Kinsey, American
biologist, 1894—1956
1 Progress in Reproductive Health.
Issue 67. WHO, 2005
10
2. Specific Needs of the Target Groups
2.1. Medical Aspects Related to LGBT Health
Yury Sarankov,”AIDS Foundation East-West”
Homosexual relationships are part of sexual repertoire of a human being and, as well
as any contacts between the adults, that occur on the basis of mutual consent and
without coercion, they should not give rise to aggression and condemnation, especially
on the part of health workers, psychologists and social workers. Anybody has the right
to satisfy his or her sexual needs and have an opportunity to maintain and improve his/
her sexual health, which is reflected in the documents of the World Health Organization
(WHO). Among other, the sexual rights of a person include “the right of all persons,
free of coercion, discrimination and violence: to the highest attainable standard of sexual
health, and to access to sexual and reproductive health care services; to seek, receive
and impart information related to sexuality; to sexuality education; to respect for bodily
integrity; to choose their partner; to decide to be sexually active or not; to consensual
sexual relations; to consensual marriage; to decide whether or not, and when, to have
children; and to pursue a satisfying, safe and pleasurable sexual life” 1 .
At a glance, it may seem that the representatives of LGBT community, MSM and WSW
cannot have any specific health needs, but it is not exactly so. Their specific sexual
practices and life styles that affect their health can cause a whole range of health
conditions that require attention of medical specialists. This section contains a number
of recommendations that can significantly improve the medical environment to help the
physicians pay a proper attention to the needs of LGBT community representatives.
A survey performed among the members of Gay and Lesbian
Medical Association (GLMA) in 2002 helped to compose a list of 10
most important issues to be discussed with the clients from LGBT
community.
10 important issued to be discussed with LGBT patients:
1. HIV/AIDS and safe sex.
2. Drug use.
3. Depression/anxiety.
4. Hepatitis and vaccination.
5. STIs.
6. For MSM — prostate gland cancer/testicular cancer/rectal cancer;
for WSW — breast cancer/cervical carcinoma.
7. Alcohol use.
8. Smoking.
9. Fitness (diet and sports).
10. Human papillomavirus and anal papilloma.