Bali gets first gay clinic
A medical clinic targeting gay patients has opened in Bali, Indonesia.
Located in the tourist hub of Kuta, the initiative was set up to provide care to gay, lesbian and transgender Indonesians that are often denied admission to public medical facilities because of discrimination, Indonesian news agency Antara reported.
“The Bali Medika Clinic will be a safe haven for gays and transexuals that continue to experience difficulty getting access to treatment at general health care facilities,” clinic advisor Dewa Nyoman Wirawan told Antara.
Wirawan said the facility would provide general medical check-ups, as well as screening for sexually transmitted diseases, hormone therapy and psychological support.
The centre has been taking patients since September 27 but was officially opened on Saturday.
The Gaya Dewata Foundation, which provides counselling and promotes safe sex practices among Bali’s gay community, says the clinic will be welcomed by a community scared to find help in a society that shuns them.
“The gay and transgender community here tends to be closed off and its members are reluctant to let anyone find out about their sexual orientation, so they tend to avoid seeking medical treatment when they fall ill,” foundation director Christian Supriyadinata, told Antara.
