Despite recent institutional developments, LGBTIQ+ individuals in Cyprus continue to encounter bureaucratic obstacles, discriminatory attitudes, and insufficient specialized care when accessing health services. These findings come from a nationwide study conducted under the European program Safeguarding of LGBTIQ+ People’s Right to Health (Safe-R), which highlights the urgent need for institutional action.

According to the University of Nicosia, “in the first comprehensive study of its kind in Cyprus, it is shown that many LGBTIQ+ people avoid or delay seeking medical or psychological support out of fear of prejudice or non-inclusive attitudes from health professionals.”

Specifically, 17% of respondents stated they would not seek medical or psychological help due to prejudice, 15% avoided care because of past negative experiences, and 6% reported avoiding care due to their sexual identity or gender expression.

The study notes that discrimination in health care rarely manifests as overt hostility but rather as indirect behaviors or systemic omissions. Patients reported experiencing microaggressions, offensive remarks, stereotypes, or assumptions rooted in heteronormative and binary models.

Due to gaps in the system, LGBTIQ+ individuals often rely on informal networks and community recommendations to find respectful and discreet health professionals—underscoring the lack of institutional protection and equal access.

Trans and non-binary individuals face the most complex challenges, ranging from administrative barriers to insufficient training of health professionals on gender identity and expression. The situation worsens in rural areas, where a lack of specialists, limited privacy safeguards, and stronger social stigma further restrict safe access to care.

Mental health emerges as one of the most decisive issues for LGBTIQ+ people. According to the study, 24% live with a mental illness, while 43% are currently in therapy.

However, many encounter professionals lacking adequate training on LGBTIQ+ issues, leading to discomfort, misunderstandings, or missed opportunities for meaningful care. As a result, the quality of psychological support often depends on the personal sensitivity and knowledge of each professional.

Although most health professionals express willingness to provide inclusive care, they lack the necessary specialized education and institutional support to do so consistently and effectively.

The study also highlights a lack of official, reliable information. Locally adapted resources on topics such as safer sexual practices, PrEP and PEP therapies, hormone treatments, and gender transition procedures are scarce.

As a result, many turn to unofficial sources, which do not always guarantee accuracy. Moreover, Cyprus lacks a formal, safe, and accessible mechanism for reporting discrimination or mistreatment in health care. This leads to underreporting and failure to systematically address such experiences.

Despite the existing shortcomings, the study stresses that conditions for substantial reform exist. Both the LGBTIQ+ community and the health sector recognize the urgent need for institutional action.

The proposed interventions focus on improving policies, strengthening the training of health professionals, modernizing administrative procedures, and ensuring legal recognition. The ultimate goal is a health care system that consistently protects the dignity, safety, and rights of all citizens—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

The quantitative survey included 125 LGBTIQ+ individuals, 55 health professionals, and medical/nursing students. The qualitative survey involved 19 LGBTIQ+ participants and 8 health professionals. The research was conducted by IMR/University of Nicosia as part of the European program Safeguarding of LGBTIQ+ People’s Right to Health (Safe-R) (CERV - 2023 - Equal).