Exploring the Challenges of Sexual Orientation Disclosure Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Individuals

This qualitative study sought to understand lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) individuals’ experiences of sexual orientation disclosure in health care settings and ways health care providers (HCPs) can create supportive and inclusive relationships with patients. Participants (n = 37...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal for nurse practitioners 2023-11, Vol.19 (10), p.104765, Article 104765
Main Authors: Koch, Amie, Rabins, Maya, Messina, Jaime, Brennan-Cook, Jill
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bisexuality
disclosure
Discrimination
disparities
Elimination
Gays & lesbians
Gender identity
Health care
health care discrimination
Homosexuality
Lesbianism
LGBTQ
LGBTQ people
Marginality
Medical personnel
Mental disorders
sexual and gender minorities
Sexual orientation
Transgender persons
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This qualitative study sought to understand lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) individuals’ experiences of sexual orientation disclosure in health care settings and ways health care providers (HCPs) can create supportive and inclusive relationships with patients. Participants (n = 375) responded to questions about disclosure in health care settings on an anonymous online survey. Results identified themes of ease, difficulty, and safety in disclosure, and ways HCPs can provide outward support of LGBTQ individuals, such as nonjudgmental communication, elimination of provider assumptions, and increased LGBTQ awareness and knowledge. HCPs can offer safe, inclusive spaces that demonstrate acceptance, and they should educate themselves on how discrimination, marginalization, and inequities affect LGBTQ individuals. •Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) individuals may hesitate to disclose their sexual orientation to health care providers (HCPs).•Social issues and stigma affect health of LGBTQ individuals.•LGBTQ individuals prioritize safety when telling HCPs their sexual orientation.•HCPs allyship shows with inclusive paperwork, ability to disclose via electronic portal, and pins.•HCPs can provide safe sex education and mental/emotional support resources.
ISSN:1555-4155
1878-058X
DOI:10.1016/j.nurpra.2023.104765