The project responds to the problem of discrimination and exclusion of LGBTQIA people in access to healthcare in Poland. According to the WHO, equal access to health care is a human right. While there is a lack of data on the availability of gynaecological services for LGBTQIA people, the project promoter’s pilot study shows that more than a third of respondents have experienced or may have experienced discrimination based on gender identity and/or psychosexual orientation. Gynaecologists lack a sound knowledge of non-heteronormative and non-cisnormative friendly medical care, as well as the ability to communicate and transfer knowledge about LGBTQIA sexual and reproductive health (this is confirmed, for example, by P. Wonatowska and J. Skonieczna, 2015).
The project carried out two surveys – of the LGBTQIA community and of gynaecologists. Based on the results of the research, a report and a brochure were produced and distributed to gynaecologists and LGBTQIA people in the Malopolska region. Promotional and educational events on the needs of LGBTQIA people in the area of gynaecological care and the importance of allyship on the part of medical staff were also used to disseminate the findings of the report. Two training sessions were also held for medical students and gynaecologists.
The research provided a diagnosis of the situation of LGBTQIA people in accessing gynaecological care in Malopolska. The project succeeded in filling the information gap in the previously neglected field of LGBTQIA health. Tools were created to simultaneously educate different groups about the role of access to inclusive gynaecological care. The project primarily targeted gynaecologists and LGBTQIA people from Malopolska, but most of the products were also available to the wider community. It was also successful in initiating efforts to strengthen the community internally and to work with the medical community to broaden the alliance base.