Non-homophobic inclusion: a dialogue between medicine students and transvestites.

Abstract

Introduction: Teaching communication skills to medical students is a constant challenge, mainly when it comes to issues such as prejudice, homophobia and discrimination in the health services. Since 2001, the Family Health Program Lapa, part of the curriculum of the medical course of UNESA, has faced this challenge by promoting a dialogue between medical students and transvestites in the course household visits, health education activities and outpatient care. Objective: Reflect about the communication skills of medical students providing basic health care services to transvestites.Methodology: Direct observation; interviews using open questions with students and transvestites of an area covered by the program.Results: Better communication of students in situations related to homophobia and to the access of transvestites to the health services, thus contributing to the integrality, equity and universality of the Unified Health System.Conclusion: Both students and transvestites want to reach a humanized and inclusive relationship, based on refuting old prejudice and valuing dialogue and healthcare delivery in a supportive environment.