Essay Sample on Health Needs Affecting the Homosexual Community

Introduction

Homosexuality as a form of sexual orientation that relates to sexual activities between persons of the same sex. It is however well documented that lesbians and gays face numerous stigmatization and discrimination today despite the massive efforts and trends towards their social acceptance. It is a form of discrimination commonly known as homophobia an irrational intolerance or rather a hatred towards same-sex people that is lesbians, gays, transgender, and bisexuals. Homophobic behaviors today against the LGBT persons are evident in distinct ways such as through physical attacks, negative comments and bullying an aspect that negatively affects these persons.

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Homophobic discrimination ranks high in different parts of the world where same-sex relationships are considered to be deviant to societal norms, for example, Asia, Africa, Russia, and the Middle East. However, some of the western countries have and are still accepting and legalizing same-sex relationships (Wieringa, & Sivori, 2013). A good number of African countries criminalize and treat homosexuality with severe punishment especially with nations like Algeria and Sudan imposing death penalties on same-sex persons. The criminalization of homosexuality for instance in Africa and the middle east has consecutively seen homosexuals' and the LGBT community as a whole life secretly with fear of persecution unlike it is the case for the western countries that include North America and Europe.

According to (Golub & Gamarel, 2013) homosexual communities, unlike their heterosexual counterparts, are more likely to experience difficulties when it comes to accessing healthcare. Research shows men who get intimate with other men time and again display relatively lower health-seeking behavior as well as having higher levels of anxiety, depression and substance abuse as a result of their stigmatization (Arreola, Santos, Beck, Sundararaj, Wilson, Hebert & Ayala 2015). Homosexuals and the LGBT community often receive a deprived quality of care especially due to stigmatization, an absence of healthcare providers' awareness as well as to the insensitivity to their unique needs.

Conclusion

Homophobic discernment, therefore, brings forth adverse consequences to homosexuals such as the loss of jobs, homelessness and lacking health insurance. These consequences have led to individuals under the sexual minority group engaging in risky behaviors that have significantly facilitated the spread of HIV. The levels of discrimination sexual minorities' face often deter them from accessing vital HIV testing, prevention as well as care and treatment services. Due to this deterrence, a majority of homosexuals today unknowingly live with HIV or rather get diagnosed with HIV late and when it is difficult to treat. It is therefore recommended that nations accommodate persons regardless of their sexual orientation since it significantly curbs the adverse consequences that come along with sexual minority discrimination. Creating awareness is one of the most applicable solutions pertaining this issue as well as upholding campaigns that create social acceptance for the LGBT community.

References

Arreola, S., Santos, G. M., Beck, J., Sundararaj, M., Wilson, P. A., Hebert, P., ... & Ayala, G. (2015). Sexual stigma, criminalization, investment, and access to HIV services among men who have sex with men worldwide. AIDS and Behavior, 19(2), 227-234.

Golub, S. A., & Gamarel, K. E. (2013). The impact of anticipated HIV stigma on delays in HIV testing behaviors: findings from a community-based sample of men who have sex with men and transgender women in New York City. AIDS patient care and STDs, 27(11), 621-627.

Wieringa, S., & Sivori, H. (Eds.). (2013). The sexual history of the global South: Sexual politics in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Zed Books Ltd..