Social inequality is often associated with poorer health status, frequently as a result of social stigma and discrimination that “out” LGBT individuals experience. Others are isolated because their fear of rejection prevents them from disclosing their orientation even to their health care providers. Therefore, their physicians are unaware of their higher risk of significant health threats. Without that knowledge physicians may unknowingly impeded upon the rights of their patients’ family members and significant others during critical periods. One factor contributing to these barriers is the fact-legalized marriage and employment are the most common means of securing comprehensive, affordable health care insurance. Still even patients with insurance may face discrimination and mistreatment by health care providers. In fact, a 1999 survey found 18.7% of physicians sometimes or are often uncomfortable providing care to gay patients. This article is meant to primarily to provide definitions of terms, health care information, and tips to improve health care delivery to LGBT individuals and their families. Second, the article is meant to encourage increase advocacy efforts by MN physicians to ensure all health disparities are addressed to eliminate health care disparities in traditionally underserved ethnic minorities and other groups including sexual minorities. TERMS- Coming out (of the closet) refers to disclosing one’s same sex orientation to another.
- LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.
- Sexual Orientation refers to an individuals’ physical and/or emotional attraction to the same and/or opposite gender.
- Gender Identity is a person’s basic sense of being male, female, or other gender.
- Gender Expression refers to an individual’s appearance, personality, and behavior.
- Transgender is an individual whose gender identity or gender expression differs from their birth sex.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS- Are sexually active? If so, are you sexually active with women, men, or both?
- Do you have a partner? If so, what do you call your partner?
- Would you like information about safer sex techniques?
- Do you share your sexual orientation with others?
- Are you in a committed relationship?
- What is your current gender identity?
- Do you have concerns about your sexual function?
- Do you have any concerns or questions about your sexuality,sexual identify, or sexual desires?
TIPS We display LGBT-friendly symbols such as the rainbow flag, the pink triangle, or Safe Zone sign to communicate to all a safe environment. . We identify ourselves as LGBT friendly provider by registering at www.glma.org . We verify that our staff is responsive to LGBT patients and their family’s needs during care planning and treatment. We verify there’s a non-discrimination policy inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity for patients and staff. . We educate all health care providers and health care staff with direct patient contact in issues related to health care access and delivery to LGBT individuals and their families . We refrain from making assumptions about a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.. We support LGBT events such as National Right To Marry Day (Feb 12), Pride Month (June), Day of Pink (April 10), and National Coming Out Day (Oct 11). . We reflect a patient’s choice of language used to describe their sexual orientation and life partner or relationships.
. We integrate training in all levels of medication education through modelling appropriate behaviour as well as direct education.
. We transform patient care areas and documentation to promote a gender-neutral environment. Are there educational brochures on LGBT health topics?
. We familiar ourselves with FL local resources available for LGBT people.