Trans singer, Angel Maxine bemoans lack of access to healthcare by LGBTQ+ persons in Ghana

Ghana’s only open Transgender musician, Angel Maxine has bemoaned the lack of access to healthcare by persons in the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana. 

The LGBTQ+ Rights Activist shared in an Instagram post a medical condition which needed urgent attention by health professionals but will not be able to do so in Ghana without judgement.

“I travelled to South Africa for a workshop and ended up in the hospital most of the time.I have a steadily worsening hip pain in my left joint, pelvic region and thigh. I have to see an orthopedic surgeon for this condition,” she shared on Instagram.

According to the “Wo fie” singer, the LGBTQ+ community is not respected in Ghana and are left out when it comes to accessing health care in the country.

“My Gender is not respected in Ghana. How do I access medical care without Judgments. This is affecting my mental health…Without a right frame of mind I can’t heal….I really need Help..🙏” she added.

Her post has since generated some responses by some members of the LGBTQ+ community who are equally finding it difficult to access healthcare in the country.

According to an Instagram user by the name @vesogolden, she battled with going to the hospital because she was scared of the treatment she’ll receive from nurses and doctors.

“I understand your pain sis, I battled with going to the hospital and scared of how I will be treated my doctor and nurses. It’s disheartening because a lot of young Lgbt persons are refusing health care because they don’t want to face discrimination,” she commented on Angel Maxine’s post.

LGBTQ+ is frowned upon in Ghan,  and over the last few months, there have been serious discussions surrounding an Anti-LGBTQ+ bill that has been presented to parliament waiting to be passed.

The proposed bill includes criminalising LGBT advocacy, requirements to denounce “suspects”, advocates for conversion therapy and imposes longer jail sentences.

Research has shown that the bill will reduce LGBTQI+ people’s access to shelter, health care, jobs, and worsen mental health outcomes