Understanding the Needs of LGBTQ Patients and Clients
Presented by Liz Margolies
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Nonfinancial: Liz Margolies is the founder and former executive director of the National LGBT Cancer Network. She has no other competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
Across disciplines, health and human service providers have reported a lack of knowledge about LGBTQ language, culture, and health disparities. This contributes to a distrust of the healthcare system, resulting in delayed care with worse health outcomes. When patients and clients feel safe bringing their authentic selves into the treatment room, it leads to better patient-provider communication, greater adherence to recommended follow-up and, ultimately, improved health. This is the first of a two-part series addressing this gap in knowledge. This course covers the components of gender and sexual identities, current terminology, the importance of collecting sexual orientation and gender identity data in the clinical setting, LGBTQ health disparities across the lifespan, and the skills for creating a more welcoming environment. The information in this course will be useful for physical therapists, social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, and others. This is the first of a two-part series addressing this gap in knowledge.
Meet your instructor
Liz Margolies
Liz Margolies, LCSW, founder of the National LGBT Cancer Network, has served the LGBTQ community for more than 40 years as a psychotherapist, political activist, and volunteer. Until July 2020, she was also the executive director of the Network, the first and only national program exclusively addressing the needs of LGBT…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Identifying LGBTQ Patients and Clients
This chapter addresses the importance of identifying LGBTQ patients and clients for all healthcare providers as a factor in providing targeted care and improving the provider-patient relationship. LGBTQ people live in 99% of the counties in this country, so it is fair to assume that all providers work with this population, whether they know it or not.
2. Proper Terminology and Distinctions Between Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
This chapter defines gender identity and sexual orientation and clarifies the difference between them. Current terminology is described, as well as differences within this population based on other identities, such as race, class, and ability. Tips will be offered for respectfully collecting LGBTQ data.
3. Health Disparities in the LGBTQ Population
LGBTQ people carry a disproportionate burden of disease, most of which can be traced back to the stress and stigma of living as sexual and gender minorities. Specifically, this chapter will address how parental rejection and discrimination beginning in early school years cause later health problems. Finally, this chapter covers how these greater health risks are confounded by barriers to quality healthcare.
4. Supportive Factors for LGBTQ Health
While LGBTQ people are vulnerable to greater health disparities, there are some factors that simultaneously contribute to resilience in this population. This chapter highlights the health benefits of family support, connection with the LGBTQ community, and religious communities that are accepting.
