Background: The prevalent social perspective in Turkey is that any sexual orientation other than heterosexuality is a perversion; many LGBTI individuals suffer discrimination. The aim of this study is to investigate the experiences of LGBTI individuals with healthcare services.
Methods: Thirty-two LGBTI persons participated in this qualitative study. The thematic analysis method and NVivo8 software program were used for the analysis.
Results: Although there are differences, LGBTI individuals experience homophobia considering health care workers. Negative emotions and thoughts about the healthcare system differ according to sexual orientations. Lesbian/gay individuals prefer to get the medical help they need from private institutions because of the concerns they have about eliciting help within the existing health system. Friends, pharmacies, internet are other sources they use before applying the usual healthcare sources. There are many negative consequences of not using regular health care services.
Conclusion: Homosexual individuals perceive homophobia in health care services. As a result, they tend to seek alternative care and do not get health care services necessary for them.
Key words: discrimination, health services, Homosexuality
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