Microaggressions towards the LGBT population and lack of human rights, equity, and equality, resulting in LGBT domestic abuse in Latvia

Abstract

Background. It is well known that equality and equity have asignificant meaning inhealthcare. InLatvia, there are no human rights for LGBT families. This case report looks at theproblem through theframe ofone LGBT person’s experience and a lack of support and knowledge, resulting in domestic abuse and neglect of children. Objectives. Toevaluate theshortcomings inLatvian legislation through one LGBT patient’s experience and perception of life inLatvia asanLGBT family member. Case report. The 44-year-old female patient has lived in Latvia since birth. At the doctor’s office, she presented with adisease history of abroken leg at3points of tibiae – thepatient had refused toundergo anoperation due to developed stigma towards medical care, feeling of exclusion; she presented with undiagnosed bronchial asthma, smoking, depression, low self-esteem, frequent suicidal thoughts, 5attempts ofsuicide, insomnia. Thepatient isapolice officer and social worker. Intheanamnesis she has had 3relationships with women and recognises herself as a lesbian. The patient faced discrimination at her workplace – was afraid to talk about her sexuality, had been humiliated by her colleagues at police station. All her relationships with women were highly toxic, asall partners abused her physically and emotionally; they also neglected and physically abused 5children, raised bythepatient for 15years. Thepatient was forced toend all relationships, and had no rights toraise kids even though they had parent–children bonding – they got into thefoster home, while having anon-biological LGBT family parent. Being discriminated against asanLGBT person, and with post-traumatic stress disorder, prevented thepatient, and her children, from seeking and receiving support, even while being apolice officer. Conclusions. Microaggressions towards theLGBT population, discrimination and inequality inLatvia lead toelevated morbidity and higher risk ofsuicide attempts; new legislation isneeded toprotect children’s and their non-biological parents’ needs and health.