By Alex Ababio
Accra, Ghana – For years, members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana have suffered from stigmatization, discrimination, and restricted access to basic medical care. The story of one victim, whose identity we will protect, is emblematic of the suffering that many in the community experience.
We spoke with John, a member of the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana who has been stigmatized and as a result, has found it difficult to access unrestricted medical care. John’s experience is heartbreaking. Despite being HIV positive, he was unable to access medical care due to discrimination from health care workers. John was even turned away from a hospital because of his sexual orientation.
“I was devastated,” John said. “I felt like I was being punished for something I couldn’t control. I didn’t choose to be gay, and I didn’t choose to be HIV positive. But because of the stigma attached to being gay, I’m treated like a second-class citizen.”
John’s story is not unique. Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana often face discrimination in healthcare settings, making it difficult for them to access the medical care they need.
Policy makers and legislators in Ghana have responded to this issue in various ways. Some have called for increased funding for LGBTQ+ healthcare initiatives, while others have taken a more conservative stance. However, the sentiment among the general public remains largely negative towards the community.
The Ghana Health Service has also responded to the issue, acknowledging that members of the LGBTQ+ community face unique challenges in accessing healthcare. The organization has pledged to work towards providing unrestricted medical care to all Ghanaians, regardless of their sexual orientation.
International bodies espousing defence of the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana have also weighed in on the issue. The United Nations has urged Ghana to take steps to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people, while other organizations have called for an end to discrimination in healthcare settings.
Medical doctors in Ghana have also taken a stand on this issue. The Ghana Medical Association has issued a statement condemning discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in healthcare settings. The association has called on healthcare workers to provide care to all Ghanaians, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Religious leaders in Ghana have also had a role in shaping the public’s perception of the LGBTQ+ community. Some religious leaders have spoken out against discrimination, while others have condemned the community outright.
The impact of HIV/AIDS on the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana is significant. Members of the community are at a higher risk of contracting HIV, and once they are infected, they often face challenges accessing healthcare and social support. The stigma attached to being gay can also make it difficult for them to access HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs.
In conclusion, the issue of stigmatization and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires the cooperation of policy makers, healthcare workers, religious leaders, and the general public to address. As human beings, it is important that we all work towards ensuring that every member of society, regardless of their sexual orientation, has access to basic human rights, including unrestricted medical care.
