LGBT POPULATION’S HEALTH IN BRAZIL: DEMANDS AND CHALLENGES

Introduction and objectives: The special attention to the LGBT population (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trangender) started with AIDS prevention programs and, today, the public politics were extended. However, the Ministry of Health (MH) recognizes that this population is still being victim of discrimination and exclusion, leaving them vulnerable. There are still barriers to be brought down until LGBT’s health can be offered completely. This paper is intented to point out challenges and demands on LGBT's health as well as start a reflection about actions that could make improvements on this group's health. Methods: Research specialized literature (Scielo and PubMed). Results ans conclusions: According to MH, the homophobia is considered a stimulating factor in the diseases and suffering dissemination, what can cause episodes of depression and even suicide. Moreover, it leads to unemployment and difficulties in housing and feeding. The health problems covers a wide range, it affects lesbian, having higher rates of uterus cancer and breast cancer than heterosexual women, and the transgender having their condition included in CID-10 as gender identity disorder. Health professionals have, in general, lack of knowledge of specific demands of LGBT’s, wich can endanger their health. Doing so, the demand for health services decreases and usually trained professionals aren't available. It is necessary: training of health professionals to receive the patients, depathologize their transsexuality and increase the offer of specific health services for this population.