“Straight for Equality in Healthcare,” the latest guide released by PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), promises to help caregivers provide competent, compassionate care.
“For many healthcare providers, it isn’t a case of not wanting to be inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients, but rather a sense that it isn’t an issue — or, when it is, confusion about how to talk around it — that gets in the way,” said Jody M. Huckaby, PFLAG’s Executive Director.
The new guide was created with the assistance of a diverse community of healthcare professionals, including nurses. Topics include:
- The case for inclusion
- Understanding and identifying personal barriers around LGBT issues — and how to overcome them
- Simple, non-political ways to signal acceptance
The guide also includes sample inclusive intake forms, nondiscrimination policies and links to other resources.  It can be downloaded for free at www.straightforequality.org.