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spring 2007 |
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h
e a l t h P R O M O T I O N
Information for
physicians with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered patients
The number of lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people in Newfoundland and
Labrador who are ‘coming out of the closet’ is increasing.
Discrimination against LGBT people however, whether real or perceived,
still keeps many from going to see a doctor.
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Submitted article |
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The number of lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgendered (LGBT) people in Newfoundland and Labrador who are
‘coming out of the closet’ is increasing. Discrimination against
LGBT people however, whether real or perceived, still keeps many
from going to see a doctor. Following are some general tips for
health care practitioners in providing a comfortable environment for
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered clients.
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Avoid making assumptions about a
patient’s gender or sexual identity, or about sexual and health
behaviors.
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Remember a patient's sexual behavior
(one’s sexual experiences) and a patient's sexual orientation (how
one defines one’s sexual self) are two different things.
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Remember a patient’s gender identity
(transgendered, transsexual, intersexed, two-spirited...) and a
patient’s sexual orientation identity (gay, lesbian, bisexual...)
are two different things.
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Use LBGT-inclusive language and have
pamphlets regarding LGBT health issues available.
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Support and validate diverse
experiences and identities.
A resource manual for the LGBT community
that includes a list of health care providers in the province who are
comfortable working with LGBT patients, is in process. In a relationship
as consequential as that with one’s doctor, it is important that LBGT
people in Newfoundland and Labrador know where they can find good health
care without judgment.
Do you feel comfortable providing health
care for your Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgendered patients? Do you
feel able to provide for (including researching) the health concerns
that are specific to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered patients?
If you said yes to these questions, please think of having your name on
the list for this resource manual. Please email
Sarah Wiseman to be included,
or for other related questions. Thanks so much for being part of this
project. This manual will be offered to the LBGT community through
organizations including
NGALE, LBGTMUN,
and the
Sexual Health Centre of NL.
For information aimed at health care
providers regarding specific health care issues for LBGT people, check
out the following websites from across North America.
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