Abstract

VITIRITTI, Bruno; ANDRADE, Sonia Maria Oliveira de  and  PERES, José Eduardo de Carvalho. Sexual diversity and professional relationships: conceptions of doctors and nurses. Temas psicol. [online]. 2016, vol.24, n.4, pp. 1389-1405. ISSN 1413-389X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.9788/TP2016.4-11.

This study analyzed the opinions of healthcare professionals, physicians and nurses on their conceptions of sexual diversity. To do so, we developed a qualitative research under the socio-historical perspective. We interviewed fourteen doctors and nurses who work in the city of Campo Grande, MS. Two representative categories were identified, (a) Reflecting on sexual diversity and (b) Understanding the relationship between straight and homosexual healthcare professional. From the first category, the following themes emerged, "A concept for sexual diversity," "Personal conception of sexual diversity", "reactions on the determined diversity group patient" and "how to manage the changes required." Regarding the second, "prejudice and discrimination", "acceptance", "the dichotomy in professional relationships," "stereotypes" and "the search for respect and equality." Archaic concepts about gender roles still appear in the speeches of healthcare professionals, a fact that promotes the legitimacy of heteronormativity. Expressions diminishing the freedom sought by the population of diversity groups are frequent among homosexual and straight professionals. So, to assure respect by society, individuals belonging to diversity groups must behave within the rules preconceived by the heteronormativity. Although they feel accepted in their work environments, homosexual healthcare professionals still hide their personal life.

Keywords : Health; sexual behavior; professional practice; patient/professional relationship; prejudice.

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