Transgender people and travestis experiencing homelessness in Salvador: a descriptive study on sociodemographic profile and access to social assistance and health services, Brazil, 2021 and 2022

Abstract

Objective: To describe the sociodemographic profile and access to social assistance and health services among trans people and travestis experiencing homelessness in Salvador, the capital city of Bahia state. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 24 (4.5%) participants who identified as trans people or travestis out of a total of 529 people, aged 18 or older, living in public spaces or institutional shelters included in the survey. Data were collected between 2021 and 2022, using structured questionnaires. Results: The sample was predominantly comprised of trans women and travestis (n=18), young individuals (n=13), of Black race/skin color (n=22), single individuals (n=18) and those engaged in informal occupations (n=23), many of whom reported experiencing violence (n=17). Frequent barriers to accessing healthcare and social assistance services were found (n=15), including lack of documentation, delay in service provision and social/racial discrimination. Conclusion: The findings highlight the heightened vulnerability of transgender people and travestis experiencing homelessness, who are subjected to multiple forms of discrimination and social exclusion.