LGBTQIA+ HEALTH FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PRIMARY CARE: POTENTIALS AND PROBLEMATICS

The fight for social and health rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in Brazil remains a daily struggle, directly impacting aspects such as adequate care in health services, discrimination, and violence. Despite the implementation of public policies, obstacles persist, such as the lack of knowledge and training among healthcare professionals. This study is part of an action research project aimed at understanding the strengths and challenges in healthcare assistance for the LGBTQIA+ population in two primary healthcare units in the city of Natal.Qualitative methods, such as interviews and discussion groups, were employed, grounded in Popular Education and Permanent Health Education. Data were analyzed using Atlas Ti software, based on thematic content analysis according to Bardin. The results highlight strengths, such as increased user participation within the analyzed healthcare units and some positive practices in welcoming and addressing the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. However, challenges were also identified, including LGBTQIA+phobia from some healthcare workers, insufficient patient reception, and a lack of professional preparedness. Finally, it is noted that both healthcare units possess the potential to provide quality assistance to LGBTQIA+ individuals, such as the welcoming and proactive attitudes of some workers. However, certain challenges persist, such as difficulties in asking about sexual orientation and gender identity, stigma related to STIs, and the absence of discussions on health equity for these populations, both in undergraduate curricula and in Permanent Health Education policies. Therefore, it is essential to increase investments in professional training and healthcare service management within the municipality under study.