Health care: The transvestites of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do sul, Brazil

Abstract

The general purpose of this paper is to present the health care of transvestites from Santa Maria, central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Field research was conducted in 2012, between January and November, with transvestites originated from different cities of this State, who were living in Santa Maria at that time. Qualitative methodology was adopted through ethnographic research. The results showed that the interlocutors avoid the institutionalized health services, choosing other forms of care. The interlocutors indicated their choice for “houses of african religion” by identifying them as places that, without questioning the bodily changes and sexual orientation, were able to afford forms of care and protection. Therefore, this article can help to provide some visibility to care transvestites looking for health.