Inclusive service provision for sexually diverse populations: Surveying staff as a tool for sensitization

International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region (IPPF/WHR) launched a series of projects in 2004 to address the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of sexually diverse (including gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) populations throughout Latin America. The initiative attempts to erase borders between the heterosexual and “other,” reduce homophobia and heterosexism, and create true inclusiveness by providing services that do not exclude individuals based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sexual behavior.

IPPF/WHR developed a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) survey to assess knowledge and identify gaps on issues related to sexual diversity, and to establish a baseline measure of change over project duration. KAP implementation among IPPF/WHR member associations in Mexico, Peru, Chile, Paraguay, and Venezuela revealed an unanticipated outcome: the act of survey completion itself served to sensitize staff to issues of sexual diversity, by instigating dialogue and posing questions that were new to participants. This process facilitated reflection of assumptions around client sexual behavior and reproductive intentions--assumptions that affect quality of care and client-provider interactions.

This session will share key elements of the survey, describe programmatic as well as institutional uses of the process and results, and discuss common findings across the region. Requiring KAP implementation among all staff, from janitorial to executive, ensures that sexual diversity is a cross-cutting issue, promoting reduction of stigma and discrimination, and recognizing that everyone contributes to an inclusive, welcoming environment. KAP implementation is one of many strategies to facilitate provision of high quality and non-judgmental services for all clients.