Session 9 - LGBT Healthcare

Question 1

Give 3 reasons sexual issues may not be raised in medical consultations?

Answer 1

• Doctor or patient may feel embarrassed to raise sexual issues
• Doctor may not feel that it is important in the light of giving news of illness, e.g. if doctor tells someone they’ve got cancer they may not think sex is the first thing on their minds
• May forget to be raised by either doctor or patient

Question 2

Give 2 examples of ways to facilitate discussion about sex issues

Answer 2

• Can give out brochures in the waiting room or consultation room
• Can ask if they would like information concerning sex

Question 3

How does discrimination lead to poorer health for LGBT patients?

Answer 3

• Rejection by families and abuse at school or work due to LGBT – Leads to depression, self harm and anxiety.

Can lead to substance use, e.g. smoking

• Risk of violence if showing same sex affection in public
• Some healthcare professionals may discriminate against LGBT patients and refuse to give or give poorer treatments e.g. smear tests for lesbians

Question 4

What is heterosexism? Give an example of it.

Answer 4

Bias towards opposite-sex sexuality and relationships.

Can include presumption that other people are heterosexual.

Question 5

Give the legal requirement of doctors in providing care for LGBT patients

Answer 5

Illegal to discriminate on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity