“There needs to be care throughout” explores the access of non-binary people, trans men and trans women to sexual health services in Scotland.
There is limited evidence on trans people’s access to sexual health services, particularly in the UK, yet we know that globally trans women are at higher risk of contracting HIV and are more likely to be diagnosed late (National AIDS Trust 2017). Trans people in the UK are also less likely to visit a sexual health clinic than their cis counterparts and are more likely to feel anxious and embarrassed when doing so (Government Equalities Office 2018).
This peer-led project builds on the small pool of existing research on trans people’s access to sexual health care and is the first national study of trans people’s experiences of accessing sexual health services in Scotland. The research is based on the findings of a national survey, focus groups and interviews with trans participants, and interviews with sexual health practitioners.
The research was a partnership between Waverley Care and Scottish Trans Alliance, combining our respective expertise in sexual health and trans people’s access to health care.