WHO recognizes that LGBTQ+ people face substantial barriers to accessing “appropriate patient-centered care”, do not receive early intervention and systematic reassessment, and in some cases, do not use health services at all, due to widespread stigma against homosexuality and ignorance about gender identity differences in society and health 
systems. The discriminatory attitudes and lack of specialist knowledge of health professionals are the main reason for not meeting the specific health needs of LGBTQ+ people, or issues stemming from previous traumatic discriminatory attitudes, resulting in poor physical and mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ people.
The aim of PARADISO project was to create an accepting environment and equal access for LGBTQI+ people in the healthcare sector, through participatory training activities and sensitization of health professionals. Furthermore, PARADISO aimed to fight the discriminations in the health system, based on sexual orientation and identity or expression of sex, while emphasizing the rights and the needs of LGBTQI+ persons.
The study on health professionals’ attitudes on LGBTQI+ issues, conducted on the early stages of the project showed knowledge gaps, doubts on their ability to provide health care to LGBTQI+ people and recognition of equal rights for all patients (included LGBTQI+). Additionally, participants recognized that the basic reason for many LGBTQI+ people not using or receiving health services was the discriminatory attitudes/behaviours of health professionals.
Within this context, a specific educational material has been prepared in order to be used to 11 seminars, addressed to health professionals, implemented in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Chios, Herakleion, Crete, Xanthi, Larisa and Ioannina. Results were:
– Improved knowledge, reduction of stereotypes and change of attitudes about the needs of LGBTI people.
– Creation of a critical group of qualified health professionals to act as multipliers and in turn, raise awareness among other colleagues.
– Creating a climate of mutual trust and understanding between health professionals and people from the LGBTI community.
Project Τitle: Participatory Approach for Raise Awareness and fighting DiscrImination against Sexual and gender Orientation in healthcare sector
Project Duration: 01/01/2028 – 30/04/2019
Project Framework & Funding: European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (REC-DISC-AG-2016)
Scientific coordinator (UNIWA): Koulierakis George
Consortium – Partners: Department of Sociology, National School of Public Health (coordinator); Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; European Forum for Primary Care (Netherlands); the Établissement Public de Santé Maison Blanche (France); Association for Regional Development and Mental Health (EPAPSY); Association of Midwives of Athens; Development, Social Support and Medical Collaboration Program (NGO PRAKSIS); Lesbian & Gay Community of Greece (OLKE); Consulting Management Training CMT- Prooptiki.
Research Publications / Results / Patents
Booklet with terminology and good practices for health professionals on LGBTQ+ care
