Guidelines for practitioners to enhance health care with sexual minorities

CrossCurrents

Be educated on the “coming out” process: “It makes LGBT folks unique,” says Joseph Amico, president of the National Association of Lesbian and Gay Addiction Professionals. “Early on, many feel they have a shameful identity inside, and shame is a huge word. Nothing draws addiction like shame.”
Be familiar with LGBT culture and terminology: Know your terms, so you can identify, for example, the differences between “polysexual,” “queer” and “homosexual.”
Be welcoming: Placing stickers or symbols such as the Rainbow flag or pink triangle within your work setting, as well as hanging diversity-oriented posters and posting a non-discrimination statement that you will provide equal care, can provide much comfort to clients.
Encourage candidness: Reiterate that discussions are confidential and use open body language to encourage communication.
Be aware of heterosexism: Use open terms such as “partner” or “significant other,” and be aware that much of the world is seen through the heterosexist perspective.
Stay current: Keep on top of laws and social and other issues that affect the LGBT community.

Sources:
Asking the Right Questions 2;
www.glma.org/medical/clinical/ lgbti_clinical guidelines.pdf;
www.students.vcu.edu/ counsel/MC/counseling.html