PROMOTING EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY IN LESBIAN, GAY AND

TRANS-SEXUAL

DON MUNYANEZA

LGBT Health needs Communication Diversity Resources for GP’s Summary

PLAN

Equality ‘creating a fairer society where everyone can participate and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential’.

Diversity recognition and valuing of difference in its broadest sense. It is about creating a working culture and practices that recognise respect, value and harness difference for the benefit of the organisation and the individual including patients'.

The GP curriculum: Section 3.4

Not an homogeneous group They are among the social groups most

likely to experience discrimination Homophobic bullying is a persistent problem

in UK schools

Who are LBGT?

Develop knowledge base of LGB resources both locally and nationally in order to signpost patients to other support

Mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, are an increased risk for some LGBT people

Suicide ideation and attempts are more common among gay and bisexual men

LB women are at risk of cervical cancer even if they have never had sex with men

Gay men are at greater risk for eating disorders than other men

LBGT Health Needs

Encourage disclosure of sexual orientation Use gender-neutral language Develop awareness of potential benefits of

disclosure Maintain confidentiality Create a LGBT-friendly practice environment Include reception and other staff in equality

and diversity training Include sexual orientation and gender identity

in policy statements

Communication

Provide relevant health information and to express positive attitudes and behaviour

Demonstrate respect and positivity for LGBT patients

Respect the right of LGBT patients to be fully involved in decisions about their treatment and care

Recognize the obligation to consult with LGBT patients' relatives and carers

Valuing Diversity

General Medical Council (2007) Protecting patients: your rights as lesbian, gay and bisexual people. http://www.stonewall.org.uk/

Terence Higgins Trust (2007) GPs and gay men:  www.tht.org.uk

LGBT for youth in Halifax area http://www.identitylgbtgroup.com

Halifax Area Gay Group http://hagg.drupalgardens.com

Gay and Lesbian Youth Information Centre http://www.galyic.org.uk

LGBT Healthcare professionals http://www.healthwithpride.nhs.uk

Pink Therapy http://www.pinktherapy.com/en-us/home.aspx

Gay and Lesbian Association of Doc & Dentists http://www.gladd.co.uk

Resources for GPs

LBGT deserve the same right as other patients

Medical professionals should not discriminate

Encourage a practice friendly environment

Summary

Any Questions