Nicosia, Cyprus. Queer Collective has launched a register of queer-friendly medical professionals across Cyprus to help LGBTQIA+ community members access inclusive healthcare services.
Directory aims to improve access to inclusive care
Queer Collective announced on Wednesday that members of the LGBTQIA+ community can now access a register of queer-friendly medical professionals of various specialisations across the island. The group said that finding a doctor, therapist, or specialist who will treat people with dignity is harder than it should be in Cyprus.
Referring to the registry as a “community directory”, Queer Collective said the service is intended to facilitate easier access to specialists recommended by community members as “inclusive and non-discriminatory”. The group said the resource was created to help people access services and professionals in Cyprus who are inclusive, friendly and non-discriminatory towards LGBTQIA+ people.
Initial list includes 10 doctors
The registry initially lists 10 doctors, including personal doctors, gynaecologists, a urologist and a psychiatrist.
Community member highlights safety and respect
A queer reader told the Cyprus Mail that seeking medical services often puts people in a vulnerable position. The reader said that while sexual and gender identity is relevant to mental and sexual health, it is also important to know a doctor will treat them with respect.
The reader said it is not only about whether or how queerness affects health status, but also about feeling safe when visiting a doctor. They added that while things have improved in Cyprus in recent years, they still encounter queerphobia and homophobia almost every day, making it important to have doctors they can be fully open with and trust.
Recommendations-based registry includes disclaimer
Queer Collective said the registry is based on recommendations and noted that it could not guarantee the quality of medical services or verify professional credentials.
Would you use a community-recommended directory to choose a medical professional?
