LGPTQ+ Summary

The LGBTQ+  policy has been developed to help healthcare staff provide an affirmative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all clients, especially those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Those in the LGBTQ+ community face challenges every day and often run into difficulty when it comes to accessing healthcare.  These incidents could happen from the second someone enters the doors, whether it be a negative experience with a security guard or receptionist, through to primary carers such as nurses, case managers, medical assistants, doctors, or other health care providers. 

Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ people have reported being refused care based purely on their sexuality and gender identity. Many people have also reported overhearing jokes or slurs and have received insensitive criticisms about their appearance or behaviour. In many cases, problems arise from simple oversights or mistakes made by staff who lack understanding. 

For LGBTQ+ people who have experienced stigma and discrimination during their lives, even small mistakes can bring up past negative experiences. These feelings can affect their willingness to seek healthcare again. Unless we communicate with knowledge and understanding about the health concerns, barriers to care, and other everyday needs among LGBT people, they may not be able to access the services they need.

LGBTQ+ people are very diverse. Healthcare providers must consider the client's racial identity, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, language requirements and religion. 

Again, these different aspects can affect a client’s healthcare experience. Therefore, healthcare staff must understand specific healthcare needs to provide services and care to LGBTQ+ people most effectively. It is also essential for healthcare providers to remember they may be working with a patient with an LGBTQ+ family member, so appropriate language should be used at all times.

Making LGBT people and their families feel safe and included can lead to a more trusting relationship with healthcare providers and improved communication about their unique care needs. This policy will cover LGBT terms and concepts and some common health concerns. 

It also includes recommended practices for communicating with LGBT people, providing them with good customer service, and creating a safe, affirming, and inclusive environment.