The LGBT+ Individual Perspective of Aging in Brazilian Society

Abstract

This study describes the perceptions of aging and the health care received by 101 LGBT+ individuals in Brazil (São Paulo, Mato Grosso, and Rio Grande do Sul). Participants completed an online 13-item demographic and LGBT+ perception questionnaire. The age ranged from 18 to 55 years, 75.5% were Caucasian, 92% self-identified as cisgender and 55% were homosexual. Most did not stop seeking healthcare (59.8%) because of fear, but they avoided revealing their sexuality to health professionals (65.7%). Participants had negative views about aging and regarded the health system as caustic, and health professionals exhibited unethical behaviors and gaps of knowledge related to LGBT+ practice. Continuing education about the LGBT+ community should be prioritized to mediate discriminatory healthcare.