According to Australian and international research there is evidence of concern regarding the mental health outcomes and suicidal behaviours among the LGBTQIA+ community while significant knowledge gaps remain. (1)
This patient group has experienced significant trauma around seeking medical assistance, while the discrimination and marginalisation experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community increases the risk of developing mental health issues and creates barriers to accessing health services. Additionally, fear of “saying the wrong thing” maintains the exclusion of safe space in healthcare for this community. (2)
Healthcare practitioners can support mental health outcomes by maintaining an up to date understanding of the key issues for this population, such as the prevalence of mental health conditions and the importance of making sensitive enquiry, avoiding assumptions and using inclusive language. (2)
This presentation will discuss the importance of representation and using inclusive language to best support the LGBTQIA+ community. You will learn the different communities that form part of the LGBTQIA+ and how to create a safe and inclusive space for these patients in your clinic space.
Topics covered include:- What is LGBTQIA+?
- How to differentiate sex, gender and sexual orientation
- Identifying and understanding pronouns
- How to create a safe space in your clinic and online
Join Sage King, Naturopath and Nutritionist, in this month’s webinar ‘Mental Health Support for the LGBTQIA+ Community’.