Advocating for Vulnerable Populations- Understanding and Supporting LGBTQ

The most vulnerable population in our community is the LGBTQ population. According to Joszt (2018), around one in five members of the LGBTQ community are faced with discrimination from the community and racial differences within the group of LGBTQ. Based on Healthy People 2020, the discrimination of LGBTQ members is associated with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, attention-deficit disorder, depression, substance use, and suicide.

Access to healthcare is not equal for everyone, especially for the members of the LGBTQ community. According to Gillespie (2020), the LGBTQ community was declared a health disparity among populations by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities due to the less access to healthcare services by the members of this group. This population is not yet accepted in the community because it is believed that it is against cultural expectations. In research conducted by the Center for American Progress (2017), it was found that around 10 to 30% per cent were not provided with healthcare services due to their previous gender. It is important to appreciate that members of the LGBTQ+ community are no different from other people and, therefore, have the right to equal healthcare services.

When marginalized populations such as members of the LGBTQ+ are denied access to healthcare services, it is our obligation as advanced practice nurses to advocate for patients’ equality. At the national level, I would advocate for public awareness of the LGBTQ population and how to handle them when it comes to healthcare services provision. In addition, I can also advocate for mental and psychiatric health support. At the local or institutional level, I can advocate for the existence of support groups within the LGBTQ to reduce existing discrimination incidences.

References

Durso & Singh (2017). Widespread discrimination among LGBTQ members. Accessed on 4th Nov 2021. Available from:  https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/lgbtq-rights/news/2017/05/02/429529/widespread-discrimination-continues-shape-lgbt-peoples-lives-subtle-significant-ways/

Gillespie Claire (2020). Six Major Health Disparities. Accessed on 4th Nov 2021. Available from: https://www.health.com/mind-body/lgbtq-health-disparities

Joszt Laura (2018). Vulnerable Populations in Healthcare. AJMC. Retrieved on 4th Nov 2021. Available from: https://www.ajmc.com/view/5-vulnerable-populations-in-healthcare

Tulane University (2019). LBTQ and Healthcare: Advocating for Health Acces for All. Retrieved on 4th Nov 2021. Available from: https://publichealth.tulane.edu/blog/advocating-for-lgbtq-health-access/