LGBTQ+ Healthcare Discrimination
Think about your experiences with the healthcare system, an experience a friend or family member has talked with you about, or a story you recently heard or read in the news. Discuss an ethical or legal situation involving healthcare from the perspective of either cultural differences, LGBTQ+ rights, quality, safety, economic differences, religious differences, etc. Address the following:
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LGBTQ+ Healthcare Discrimination
- What about that situation stands out to you? Were you or that person treated fairly? Why or why not?
- What was the outcome?
- What, if anything, could have been done differently to improve the situation and/or the outcome?
Reflect on how this experience influenced your perception of healthcare providers or the healthcare system
Ethical Concerns in LGBTQ+ Healthcare
Recently, a friend shared an experience about seeking healthcare as a transgender person. During a routine visit, the healthcare provider refused to use their chosen name and pronouns. This refusal made my friend feel invisible and disrespected. What stood out most was the provider’s unwillingness to acknowledge their gender identity. This lack of cultural competence created a hostile environment. It made them feel unsafe in a place meant for healing. They were not treated fairly, as respect for a patient’s identity is essential to ethical care.
The outcome was disheartening. My friend left the clinic without receiving the necessary medical attention. They were too uncomfortable to continue the appointment. They shared later that they postponed seeking care for months out of fear of experiencing similar discrimination. This delay increased their health risks, as they missed important screenings and follow-ups. It is clear that the provider’s actions directly affected their willingness to access care.
Improving Care and Building Trust
To improve the situation, the clinic could have implemented LGBTQ+ sensitivity training for staff. Training would have helped providers understand the importance of using correct pronouns and respecting patients’ identities. Additionally, displaying inclusive signs or statements could reassure LGBTQ+ patients of their safety and acceptance. These actions could have improved communication and fostered trust, leading to better health outcomes.Reflecting on this experience changed my perception of healthcare providers. I realized that a provider’s cultural competence greatly affects patient trust and health equity. It emphasized that healthcare must go beyond clinical skills to include empathy, respect, and awareness of diverse………….
