Gender and Health: Experiences in health education for the transgender population

Abstract

From the courses of Administration, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, and Dentistry at the Universidade Franciscana, which is part of the PET-Saúde: Equidade project by the Ministry of Health, developed during the year 2024 in an LGBTQAPN+ clinic located in a municipality in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul. The period of the experiences took place between June and December 2024 and was guided by the group's preceptor psychologist. The authors interacted, planned, and coordinated the group called Gender Affirmation, in a conversational circle format, lasting one hour on Wednesdays, covering topics on gender, sexuality, mental health, inclusion, rights of transgender people, hormonization, and other topics brought by the participants. In accordance with the practices proposed by PET-Saúde Equidade, it is stated that the Gender Affirmation group establishes itself as a potential means to provide transgender individuals with the opportunity for speech, listening, identification through common themes among participants, welcome, and expression, which enables the creation of bonds of belonging and security, essential aspects for understanding, acceptance, and support regarding gender identity in a healthy way.