The Mautner
Project, the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, and the
Human Rights Campaign have released a new tool and online
videos designed to help gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender people be more open and improve
communications with their health care providers,
particularly when discussing issues related to sex and
sexual orientation.
"Individual and
institutional homophobia in the health care system has
a devastating effect on the health and well-being of the
LGBT community," said Mautner Project executive
director Kathleen DeBold in a press statement. "By
improving communications between patients and
providers, these simple tools will help LGBT people receive
the quality health care they need and deserve."
The two-sided
printed tool--one side geared for patients, the
other for health care providers--is available
online at www.hrc.org.
The tool advises
patients on five key topics: asking for referrals to
LGBT-friendly providers; inquiring by telephone when making
an appointment if the practice has any other lesbian,
gay, bisexual, or transgender patients; bringing a
friend for support when you plan to discuss your
sexuality with your provider; bringing up the topic of your
sexual orientation when you feel most comfortable doing so;
and knowing what questions to ask about the specific
health care issues affecting LGBTs.
The agencies also
have produced two instructional videos--one for
patients, the other for health care providers--that
focus on ways to improve care for LGBT patients. The
videos also can be accessed online. (The
Advocate)