Effective public health educators must be able to present information in inclusive, unbiased ways that reflect a knowledge of diverse health needs. Unfortunately, many health presentations do not include diverse examples of family, relationships, and sexual expression, thereby excluding LGBT people. Understanding homophobia and heterosexism is critical to serving the health needs of the LGBT population, who often face oppression and barriers to quality health care. In 1999 the authors conducted a workshop to increase awareness of LGBT issues and confront heterosexism in the MPH program at San José State University. Freirian concepts of education were used in planning and implementing the workshop, in imparting information, and creating new dialogue among students and faculty to integrate LGBT issues in the MPH curriculum. The objectives of the workshop were to create a safe and respectful forum to unlearn biases through dialogue, to offer students and faculty a resource guide for their professional use, and to facilitate follow-up action. These objectives were accomplished through a series of interactive exercises, focused discussions, an 80 page resource guide developed for the workshop. Participants evaluated the first session and planned "next steps" to take their lessons from the MPH program to the University and from the University to the "Universe." Requests for more information from MPH candidates, faculty, and other universities around the country suggest that there is a critical need and high demand for workshops on this topic both locally and nationally. This program has the potential to become a foundation for making health care truly inclusive.
Learning Objectives: Upon completing this session the participants will be able to: 1)Recognize the need for including lgbt issues in their public health curriculum. 2)Create a workshop similar to the one outlined at their college or university to address sexual diversity issues. 3) Prioritize lgbt issues as an area of deeper exploration for their college or university
Keywords: Health Education Strategies, Professional Preparation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: San Jose State University, MPH program
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.