The idea for the project came from research into the experiences of the trans population in accessing and receiving care in the Unified Health System (SUS). Although initially focused on oral health, the Rede Visibiliza UFF expanded its actions to include students from the Dentistry, Biomedicine and Speech Therapy courses at ISNF.
The first consultation is carried out by the Citizenship Center and, later, patients are referred to the ISNF. However, according to the project coordinator, Flávia Maia Silveira, many patients seek the service spontaneously, either through social media or through recommendations from acquaintances.
In addition to the services provided at the ISNF Dental Clinic, the project includes educational measures and discussion groups for the university public, with the aim of raising awareness and mobilizing the academic community. “We are doing this internal work to inform students and staff about the importance of the support provided by the project. We are also organizing a book with guidelines for health professionals,” said Flávia Maia Silveira.
Many trans patients report negative experiences with healthcare professionals, including cases of discrimination from the reception to the delivery of documents. To combat these issues, the project promotes actions that aim to change this scenario, such as the inclusion of the fields “social name” and “gender identity” in medical records.
Currently, around 20 students are part of the UFF Visibiliza Network. In addition to the undergraduates responsible for the services, usually in the last period of the Dentistry course, the project has volunteer students who carry out administrative activities, such as posting on the Network’s Instagram profile. Patients from both Nova Friburgo and neighboring cities are served by the project, which does not have a waiting list.
By Ezatamentchy
Source: Maxima
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