Discrimination against transgender persons has decreased in Europe in recent years but more than one third of them continue to face discrimination, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF - Doctors Without Borders).
This discrimination, and a lack of inclusive services catering to the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals, lead to inappropriate sexual health treatments for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, the NGO warned in a report on Thursday.
They also result in higher risks of cervical and breast cancer, increased cardiovascular disease, and rising levels of sexual and gender-based violence, MSF added in the report, published on the eve of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
The reluctance to access health care due to a fear of discrimination can have still further consequences, such as complications from uncontrolled hormone replacement therapy.
In Europe, 13% of transgender women, 10% of transgender men, and 8% of intersex individuals surveyed reported being denied treatment.
Even more have had to change doctors due to negative reactions, according to the MSF report, while 6% said they decided not to seek health care at all out of fear of discrimination.
