The LGBTQ+ community is a diverse and dynamic population that faces many barriers accessing safe, equitable, and client-centered healthcare. Lack of education, improper training, discrimination, ignorance and personal biases all contribute to inadequate understanding of LGBTQ+ needs. These processes create challenges, drive health disparities, and lead to inequitable access to the health resources needed to attain optimal health. In order to provide effective healthcare services to the LGBTQ+ community, it is essential that health care providers understand the effect an LGBTQ+ individual’s identity, experiences, social relationships, values and beliefs have on their health.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (2021), LGBTQ+ individuals often experience poorer physical and mental health outcomes than heterosexual and cisgender people. Physical and mental health disparities within the LGBTQ+ community include increases in chronic illnesses like cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as higher rates of psychological distress and self harm (2021). To ensure the improved health, safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, health care providers must actively work to eliminate and reduce the health disparities faced by this community. Health care providers not only require education and training that raises awareness to the common barriers and health issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, but also the space to reflect on personal biases that may negatively affect the interpersonal therapeutic relationship.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (2021), recommends looking at existing services that already underserve the LGBTQ+ community when developing new programming, and identifying promising practices to create structural-level interventions adapted to the specific health context of this population. Casey (2019), also discusses the importance of supportive environments, safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect, and the provision of inclusive sex education that touches on diversity and gender identity to promote health equity.
Additionally, as health care providers continue to work directly with individuals, groups, and communities they will continue to gain a better understanding of the multiple influences on the health of specific populations. As client advocates in the healthcare system, this knowledge and understanding can be relayed to government officials, policy makers, and stakeholders to increase awareness and promote the implementation of health programs that will contribute to the elimination of health disparities faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The goal is not just to gain more knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community, but to change attitudes towards the community as a whole (Casey, 2019).
References
Canada, P. H. A. of. (2021, December 15). Government of Canada. Programs and interventions
promoting health equity in LGBTQ2+ populations in Canada through action on social
determinants of health - Canada.ca. Retrieved November 22, 2022, from
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