Access to healthcare services for transgender people in South Africa: assessing healthcare experiences and human rights

Abstract

Background: The transgender population is one of the most marginalized and misunderstood population groups in South Africa. Despite a progressive and inclusive human rights-based legal framework, transgender people in South Africa are vulnerable to multiple human rights violations, including inequality and grave healthcare disparities. Aims: This study aims to assess the healthcare disparities experienced by transgender persons in South Africa. In South Africa, transgender people are legally entitled to equality and the right to access healthcare services. The article examines sparsely explored discrepancies and recommends how a transgender person’s right to access healthcare can be strengthened through a comprehensive human rights approach. Methods: The methodology involved semi-structured interviews with transgender respondents and healthcare experts. The sample comprised 43 transgender respondents aged between 23 and 45 residing in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and the Western Cape and a multi-disciplinary group of nine healthcare professionals working in South African health institutions. The data was analyzed through relevant thematic analysis. Results: The majority of transgender participants and healthcare experts reported that there are transgender-related inequalities in the healthcare system, including stigma and discrimination, exclusionary and culturally incompetent health services and limited availability of competent healthcare services. Discussion: There is a need for South Africa to intensify its application of transgender human rights to bridge the gap between lived experiences and the law. Comprehensive and explicit transgender-inclusive laws must be developed. Diverse transgender people must participate in the law and policy-making process. Activism, advocacy, and strategic litigation should be used effectively by relevant parties to create awareness and impact change.