Transgender people are enduring "some of the worst forms" of societal, political, and institutional discrimination, according to a major Scottish study. Researchers linked this to gender identity being more outwardly expressed, than sexual orientation, through physical appearance and mannerisms. This was said to have been exacerbated by the "culture war" narrative around sex and gender in Scotland.
The report, by Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH) notes how "many Indigenous cultures across the planet recognised and admired gender and sexual diversity, long before the arrival of colonialism and its rigid heteronormative constructs." The report found 'heteronormative' health services are 'failing' the LGBT community (Image: Agency) It discusses how society's adherence to "rigid gender norms" has exacerbated microaggressions, defined as the most frequent, subtle forms of discrimination, often unconscious or unintentional that communicate hostile or derogatory views and messages. Microaggressions were likened to “death by a thousand cuts” by members of the LGBT+ community who experience them.
The review analysed the findings of around 200 UK studies, to examine the "unmet" health needs of the LGBT+ community. It found the "pervasive" reach of heteronormativity continues to permeate society and its various facets, including healthcare and this has been linked to poorer health outcomes. Many healthcare providers and institutions were said to face challenges in embeddin.
