Kalki Subramaniam, transgender rights activist and founder of Sahodari Foundation, told The Quint that despite increased “tolerance” within the medical community, “underlying transphobia still exists.”

“And why this exists is because the medical community, including doctors, nurses and other technical staff in a hospital, are not aware. They never study the management of trans people or the LGBTQIA+ community as part of their education in colleges, institutions and universities,” added Subramaniam.

This lack of sensitivity directly affects the physical and mental health of queer/trans patients, especially when they do not receive adequate information about their treatment.

As Apurva says: “Discrimination in health care affects our quality of life. Healthcare doesn’t stop at health, it impacts your mental health, your ability to work and earn money, your financial stability and your social life.

So what can we do?

Another trans expert, who wished to remain anonymous, said a “definitive policy to address gay health care” was the way forward.

“Being hesitant because of discrimination is not going to help us gay people. Unfortunately, there’s no way to not recognize the problem. Until there is a clear policy regarding health care for gay people, there will be no change. Gay people should just make up their minds and be strong and brave and face it, I guess. No other way,” they added.

Kalki Subramaniam added,