“Sapatão” is only for the intimate: link in the care of lesbian and bisexual women

Abstract

Lesbian and bisexual women face difficulties in having their health needs recognized resulting in inequities. The objective of this study was to understand the creation of bonds in the health care for lesbians and bisexuals. A qualitative methodology was adopted, using face-to-face and online semi-structured interviews. The population consisted of 14 women, living in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. For the analysis, carried out through content analysis, the social markers of difference and the interviewees’ relationship with social movements were considered. It was evidenced that the articulation of social markers of difference can contribute to the potentiation of exclusion and that participation in social movements projects women more actively in claiming their care. These two components are important intermediaries in bond creation.