LGBTQA health

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 30, 2016

Here's a list of LGBT medical organizations in the US. GLMA is another resource.

There aren't very many facilities dedicated solely to LGBT health, and the health disparities can be severe.

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Apr 30, 2016

Here's a list of LGBT medical organizations in the US. GLMA is another resource.
There aren't very many facilities dedicated solely to LGBT health, and the health disparities can be severe.

We see trangendered patients in all of our offices (I work as part of an affiliate) for routine care, and anything trans-specific is handled by our dedicated NP. She sees patients at her clinic and also comes out to see patients at other clinics if they cannot go to her.

All of our employees undergo training specific to LGBTQ patients, and we have dedicated staff that work to ensure we are providing compassionate and up to date care for these patients. And I am SO excited, because in a few months we will be able to offer PreP!!!

LGBTQ folks (probably especially trans people) do have some unique health care needs, but overall they just need the same stuff everyone else does. The difference is providing that care in an environment that feels welcoming and comfortable for everyone. I work in sexual/repro health, so working to ensure my patients feel comfortable and welcome is vital. It can be *HARD* for, say, a young transgendered man to seek care for his lady partsl infection. I bend over backwards for these patients. There is just so much rampant discrimination against trans people, it hurts my heart.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · May 1, 2016

Good for you OP, and what wonderful goals!! There are many groups of LGBTQA people who promote the health and welfare of the culture.

I am sure your schooling is intense, but to even volunteer a few hours a week in an organization can be a good thing.

Middle and High Schools even have "promoting action and awareness" groups that also look for volunteers. Your college may even have a group, and if not, why not approach a community group about starting one?

There are many facets to a career as a nurse with this community. Education, safety, support, case management, even clinics that are LGTQA based.

One of the things I am seeing more and more of is herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases, and the patient has not had actual intercourse. Education is paramount that it is not only intercourse that spreads STD's. (which is a lesson for all people, but I am seeing it more and more in LGBTQA groups, who are far more condom and dental dam savvy than most).

Best wishes to you and do your research. You will find there's a lot you can get involved with now.