First health centre for LGBTQIA+ people opens in Brussels
Belgium’s first medical centre specifically for LGBTQIA+ people has opened in Brussels. Studies show that the groups concerned are in poorer health than the general population, the centre said in a statement on Monday.
The Rainbow House for Health (MACS) will be open to all but will focus on meeting the specific health and care needs of LGBTQIA+ people. It is operated by the support associations Ex Aequo, Genres Pluriels and Tels Quels.
“For many LGBTQIA+ people, revealing or talking about their sexual orientation, gender characteristics and gender identity is a barrier to accessing healthcare,” said spokesperson Mike Mayné. “This medical coming-out complicates the relationship with healthcare professionals.”
This can make it difficult to observe certain symptoms, leading to late diagnoses that can have a major impact on the severity of illnesses.
In addition to general medical care, MACS offers psychotherapy, screening for sexually transmitted infections and referrals to a network of supportive professionals. It also works on training medical and paramedical staff about the specifics of care for marginalised groups.
MACS is at Rue des Grands Carmes 20 in central Brussels.
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