The Difficulties for Sexual Minority Individuals: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS Sexual health is one of the bases of physical, social and emotional health of individuals, couples, families and, therefore, societies. MATERIAL and METHODS This was a qualitative study which employed a in-depth interview 25 (Lezbiyen Gey Biseksuel Transgender) individuals in Turkey. Criterion sampling, one of the techniques of purposive sampling, was used as a qualitative sampling technique in the research. All participants were 18 years of age or older defined themselves as (Lezbiyen Gey Biseksuel Transgender) individuals, agreed to participate in the study, and completed all of the interview to set up the sampling. Participants were asked six open-ended questions. The interviews were, voice-recorded by the researcher. The technique of content analysis was used in data analysis. In this analysis, it was aimed to organize and interpret the qualitative data by means of specific categories and concepts. All information received from individuals were kept confidential to used as scientific data only. Before starting the study, written approval was obtained from the Scientific Ethics Committee and written consent from the participants. RESULTS As a result of the content analysis, nine major themes emerged: In this study, it has been determined that (Lezbiyen Gey Biseksuel Tronsgender) individuals hove problems related to their sexual orientation or identity, they cannot express their wishes, feelings and thoughts easily, they have no freedom of life and they have to hide their sexual orientation or identity. CONCLUSION Challenges faced by (Lezbiyen Gey Biseksuel Tronsgender) people ore associated with social norms, prejudice and discrimination. Nurses hove a responsibility to serve as a change agent in the fight against discrimination and prejudice in society.