Examining health care discrimination among LGBT and HIV communities

For lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, and those living with HIV, vulnerability when ill or seeking health care services is often exacerbated by disrespectful attitudes, discriminatory treatment, inflexible or prejudicial polices and even refusals of essential care. These barriers, in turn, can result in poorer health outcomes and have serious and even catastrophic consequences. In 2009, over 100 partner organizations distributed a survey to LGBT people and people living with HIV across the country. The survey included questions about the following types of discrimination in health care: being refused needed care; health care professionals refusing to touch patients or using excessive precautions; health care professionals using harsh or abusive language; being blamed for one's health status; or health care professionals being physically rough or abusive. This presentation will analyze survey results based on responses from approximately 5,000 people. By providing a powerful snapshot of the experiences of a diverse cross section of members of the LGBT and HIV communities all over the country, this presentation will also identify key recommendations for health care institutions; federal, state, and local governments; and individuals to act upon including comprehensive cultural competency, inclusive policies, research and training for medical personnel, stronger laws, as well as advocacy and community education. The session will also assess strategies of how to use the data to further local and national advocacy, as well as formulate a common agenda from an organizing, public policy, and educational perspective.