Sexual orientation continues to be taboo in the medical world in France: 49% of lesbians and 40% of male homosexuals have never spoken to their doctor about it. According to a 2017 study, there were twice as many major depressive episodes (CDEs) in the last 12 months among lesbians, gays and bisexuals than among heterosexuals, attempts suicide, three times as many.
In 2014, a survey revealed that 56% of transgender people had depression following a transphobic act, and 18% a suicide attempt. These figures explain the launch of a campaign against LGBTphobiaon the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, this May 17.
For three weeks, a campaign entitled “Faced with intolerance, it’s up to us to make a difference” will be deployed on all media, with the aim of showing the diversity of sexualities and gender identities, promoting their acceptance with diverse audiences.
Raise awareness of the consequences of discrimination on physical and moral health
This campaign is necessary to remind that LGBTphobia has an impact on the physical and mental health of victims. In this, this discrimination constitutes a real public health issue, underlined Public Health France in a press release, before recalling: “In 2019, 35% of LGBT people have experienced at least one form of discrimination in their lifetime because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. These discriminations and violence affect the health of the people who suffer them in a global way.
While Elisabeth Moreno, Minister Delegate for Equality between Women and Men, deplored a making violence against the LGBT+ community invisible, the director general of the institution recalled the many consequences of this discrimination. Among which: “consumption of psychoactive substances, degraded sexual health, difficulties in dialogue with health professionals and the renunciation of care.”
Sources:
- Extent and impact on health of discrimination and violence experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people in France (santepubliquefrance.fr)
- Campaign “Faced with intolerance, it’s up to us to make a difference”, Public Health France, May 17, 2021.
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