Thousands of people flock to Turkey each year to undergo cheaper cosmetic procedures. Referred to as “medical tourists,” they often include LGBTQIA+ (abbreviated LGBTQ+) identifying people who travel from Western countries to seek gender-affirming procedures among other treatments that would otherwise be harder to get in their country of origin. Nevertheless, medical tourism can also sometimes lead to dangerous experiences, as well as highlight disparities between locals and privileged travelers.
- Thousands travel to Turkey as “medical tourists” for cheaper cosmetic surgeries, including LGBTQ+ individuals seeking gender-affirming procedures.
- Tia Latham and Charley Grabczak underwent multiple surgeries in Turkey due to lower costs.
- Medical tourism raises concerns about inequality and access to healthcare for local Turkish citizens versus privileged Westerners.
Intersex reality TV celeb Tia Latham traveled to Istanbul alongside her best friend, Charley…