LGBT Health

Question 0

Give examples of ways to facilitate discussion about sexual issues

Answer 0

Inform patient that conversation will occur - ask for advice
Offer options to seek information anonymously

Question 1

Give reasons why sexual issues may not be raised in medical consultations

Answer 1

Lack of time in consultation
Embarrassment/reluctance to disclose
Worried about offending patient
May feel it’s outside of professional boundaries

Question 2

Explain how experiences of discrimination can lead to poorer health for LGBT patients

Answer 2

Increased stress
Low self esteem
Isolation
Increased conflict
Sub-culture
Distrust of authorities
Discriminatory healthcare

Question 3

Define and give examples of heterosexism

Answer 3

A system of attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favour of opposite of sex sexuality and relationships e.g. presumption that everyone is heterosexual and it is the only norm and therefore superior

Question 4

Give examples of how stereotypes about LGBT patients can affect their healthcare

Answer 4

Lesbians - not being screened for HPV, not needing condoms, assuming they don’t have STIs
Lecturing homosexuals about heterosexual safe sex

Question 5

Describe the specific health needs that are prevalent in the LGBT community

Answer 5

Mental health - increased stress related, worse a,one bisexuals and transgender
Substance use - increased smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs
Cancer - HPV transmission between women, anal cancer between MSM
STIs - HIV and syphilis common in MSM, WSW may still contract

Question 6

Explain the ethical and legal requirements of doctors in providing good care for LGBT patients

Answer 6

Be proactive
No assumptions 
Watch language 
Confidentiality 
Reflect
Challenge homophobia

Question 7

Define the terms ‘sexual orientation’, ‘sexual attraction’, ‘identity’, ‘behaviour’, ‘gender identity’, ‘gender role/expression’, ‘transgender’, ‘transsexual’

Answer 7

Sexual orientation - what gender you are attracted to
Sexual attraction - feelings, thoughts, behaviour, identity
Identity - gay, lesbian, bisexual
Behaviour - men who have sex with men (MSM), women who have sex with women (WSW)
Gender identity - internal perception and experience of their gender
Gender role/expression - the way the person lives on society and interacts with others
Transgender - gender identity/expression differs from birth sex
Transsexual - someone who feels a consistent and overwhelming desire to transition and fulfil their life as a member of the opposite sex