VIDEO: Fostering a LGBTQ+ friendly GI practice starts by ‘just normalizing it’
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In a Healio video exclusive, Edward V. Loftus Jr., MD, highlighted that the first step in building an LGBTQ-friendly gastroenterology practice starts with “just normalizing it.”
However, in the United States, there are decades of stigma and discrimination for providers to hurdle to regain the trust and confidence of their LGBTQIA+ patients.
From homosexuality being considered a mental disorder to bans on blood donation by men who have sex with men, medical marginalization has led to significant mistrust of health care providers by the LGBTQIA+ patients, and contributed to worsening health care disparities for this population.
“There are certain GI conditions that are perhaps more prevalent in this population, including viral hepatitis, anal cancers and oral cancers,” Loftus, the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Professor of Gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic, told Healio. “It’s [also] still controversial whether or not the hormones being used in gender transition affect GI conditions.”
However, with a sharp rise among U.S. adults identifying as LGBTQIA+, this growing population demands equitable access to health care.
“Up to 7% of the U.S population now identify themselves as LGBTQIA+, which has basically doubled in the past 10 years,” Loftus said. “I think part of that is that people are now feeling more comfortable talking about it in the younger generations, that prevalence is probably higher.”
In the June issue of Healio Gastroenterology, Healio sat down with a roundtable of LGBTQIA+ advocates to discuss how gastroenterologists can promote a safe and open environment in practice and steps needed to advance education and training.
“Displays of inclusivity are not enough,” Nikki Duong, MD, wrote in an editorial in the June issue. “Rainbow pins, window decals and wall décor are certainly welcome but should be cautiously displayed — and only when the entire staff are trained and adequately educated on how to respectfully greet and treat patients. Otherwise, this is a disingenuous performative measure.”
Loftus encouraged gastroenterologists to make an effort in creating a safe and supportive environment for their LGBTQ+ patients.
“[This Healio Exclusive offers] good tips about how you and your office staff can make your practice friendly to LGBTQIA+ patients, including just normalizing it, talking about it, using pronouns, and just being open and supportive,” he said.
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