This publication provides an introduction to understanding and addressing sexual minority women’s (SMW) health. Although SMW have the same preventive health requirements as all women, they also have unique disparities and health care needs. The first half of this publication describes the physical and behavioral health issues that disproportionately affect sexual minority women (SMW) due to stigma and a shortage of culturally affirming care. The second part highlights evidence-informed practices that hold the most promise in supporting SMW who access health centers. A case example of a patient is presented to illustrate how a disparity can be addressed through the integration of primary care and behavioral health services, and by using a trauma-informed approach.
Search Results for: Stigma
Advancing Excellence in Sexual and Gender Minority Health Care for LGBTQ People of Color
Dr. Darrell Wheeler addresses the intersection of gender identity and racial identity, and presents frameworks, processes, and solutions for the stigmatization that can arise for LGBTQ people of color.
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- LGBTQIA+ People of Color
Addressing Social Determinants of Health for LGBT People (Part 2)
In the second part of the series, Dr. Cahill will address ways to provide health care to LGBT patients while acknowledging Social Determinants of Health and describe steps that health centers can use to address trauma of LGBT people experiencing health disparities and stigma. The webinar will also address policy solutions that support LGBT people and reduce vulnerability to health disparities.
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- Introduction to LGBTQIA+ Health
Learning to Address Implicit Bias Towards LGBTQ Patients: Case Scenarios
A primary objective for health care professionals is to establish solid, trusting relationships with patients in order to promote healthier behaviors. As with other minority groups, when working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) patients, it is especially important to build rapport as a way to counteract the exclusion, discrimination, and stigma that many have experienced previously in health care. Despite our best intentions, however, internal --or implicit--biases may affect the way we talk to and behave with patients. For health care professionals, biases can lead to inequitable care, either through biased clinical decisions, or through communicating bias in conversation with patients.
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- Introduction to LGBTQIA+ Health
Tonia Poteat, PhD, PA-C, MPH
Tonia Poteat is an Assistant Professor of Social Medicine at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC), core faculty in the UNC Center for Health Equity Research, clinical preceptor for the Gender Affirming Clinic at UNC’s Student Health Action Coalition, and a Physician Assistant in the UNC Infectious Diseases Clinic. Her research, teaching, and clinical practice focus on HIV and LGBTQ health with particular attention to the role of intersectional stigma in driving health disparities.
Behavioral Health Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) People
In many ways, LGBTQ people have similar behavioral health care needs to the general population. For many LGBTQ people, however, living as a stigmatized minority can cause undue stress, leading to mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as substance use disorders or high-risk sexual activity. This module discusses behavioral health disparities faced by LGBTQ populations, explains how these may differ across LGBTQ subpopulations, and discusses evidence-based clinical practices in LGBTQ behavioral health care.
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- Behavioral Health
Clinical Care for Transgender and Gender Non-conforming Patients
Transgender people face numerous health disparities as well as stigma, discrimination, and a lack of access to quality care. Some health disparities include an increased risk of HIV infection, especially among transgender women of color, and lower likelihood of preventative cancer screenings in transgender men. This module discusses health disparities and best clinical practices for transgender patients.
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- Transgender Health
Delivering HIV Prevention and Care to Transgender People
The web-based CME/CEU is designed to assist health providers caring for transgender people, with a focus on transgender women. The program presents the latest data on transgender people and HIV, describes the roles stigma and discrimination play in contributing to health disparities, and provides tips on how to provide patient-centered care specific to the needs of transgender people. The program presents strategies to make clinical environments more welcoming to transgender patients and covers critical topics in HIV prevention and care—including PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis); initiation of and adherence to ART (antiretroviral therapy); safer sexual behaviors; STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and HIV; and other important topics such as drug interactions with affirming hormonal therapy, partner services, and referral resources.
Achieving Health Equity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) People
In this talk, Dr. Alex Keuroghlian discusses important LGTBQ concepts and terminology, highlights the relationship between stigma and LGBTQ health disparities and describes best practices in LGBTQ health related to effective communication, data collection, and creating an inclusive environment.
Providing Affirmative Care for Patients with Non-binary Gender Identities
All members of a health care organization—front-line staff members, clinicians, and administrators—play a crucial role in offering an inclusive, affirming experience for all people, including those with non-binary gender identities. Everyone, no matter their gender identity or expression, appreciates friendly, courteous, and effective care. In addition, non-binary people, who have gender identities other than male or female, have unique needs when interacting with the health care system. Non-binary people face numerous health disparities as well as stigma, discrimination, and a lack of access to quality care. However, you do not need to specialize in non-binary health care to give your non-binary patients an affirming experience.
