Ivan Mark, a 23-year-old nurse, has filed a report alleging that he was a victim of homophobia and received threats while attending to a patient at the Center for Hematology and Hemotherapy of Piauí (Hemopi) in Teresina. The incident occurred on Thursday, during which Mark claims a patient insulted him after he called the patient’s name according to the protocol. The situation escalated to the point where the patient expressed an unwillingness to be attended by Mark, highlighting the prejudices face by LGBTQ+ individuals in their professional spaces.

In response to the incident, Hemopi stated that they are aware of the situation and have provided necessary support to Mark. The case has garnered attention from the State Union of Nurses, Auxiliaries, and Nursing Technicians of Piauí (Senatepi), which condemned the act as "unacceptable violence and disrespect," emphasizing that such behavior is particularly troubling in environments dedicated to healthcare and compassion.

This incident raises important questions about the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals within healthcare settings in Brazil, a country that, despite significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights, continues to grapple with instances of discrimination and violence against this community. The response from Hemopi and Senatepi indicates a collective responsibility to address such issues and improve the safety and dignity of healthcare workers who identify as LGBTQ+.