In today's society, there is still much work to be done when it comes to ensuring that all individuals have access to equal and equitable medical care. This is particularly true for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals who often face discrimination in various aspects of their lives, including in the healthcare setting. Covert forms of discrimination can take many shapes, from subtle microaggressions to blatant denial of services based on identity. In this article, we will explore some of these manifestations of discrimination and discuss how systemic reforms are necessary to ensure equitable treatment for LGBT patients.
One area where covert discrimination against LGBT patients is common is in the form of misgendering or deadnaming. Misgendering refers to using the wrong gender pronouns for someone, while deadnaming involves referring to a person by the name they used before transitioning. These acts can make LGBT patients feel uncomfortable, invalidated, and unsafe, especially if they are already feeling vulnerable due to illness or injury.
A doctor may accidentally refer to a patient as "she" instead of "he" or use a previous name without realizing it, which can cause distress and damage trust between the patient and provider. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of these issues and strive to avoid them whenever possible.
Another form of covert discrimination is refusal of services based on identity. While federal law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, some states still allow medical professionals to refuse care to LGBT patients. This means that an individual could seek medical attention only to be denied service because of who they are. Such actions not only violate basic human rights but also put lives at risk.
A transgender woman who needs emergency surgery after an auto accident might have her life endangered if a hospital denies her care.
Covert discrimination can also manifest through unequal access to care. A study conducted by the Williams Institute found that LGBT individuals were more likely than their non-LGBT counterparts to report experiencing delays in receiving necessary medical treatment.
They were more likely to experience difficulty obtaining prescription medications. The reasons behind this disparity are complex and may include societal attitudes towards LGBT people, lack of awareness among providers, and financial barriers.
To combat these forms of discrimination, systemic reforms must take place. Healthcare facilities should prioritize hiring and training personnel who are competent in providing care to all patients regardless of identity. Providers should receive regular education about the unique challenges faced by LGBT individuals and how to create a safe and welcoming environment for them.
Insurance companies must ensure coverage for all medically necessary treatments without exclusions or limitations.
Policy changes at the state level can help protect LGBT individuals from discrimination and provide greater access to healthcare.
Covert forms of discrimination against LGBT individuals in the healthcare setting are still prevalent today. Misgendering, deadnaming, refusal of services, and unequal access to care are just some examples of how this plays out. To achieve true equitable treatment, we must work together as a society to address these issues head-on. By implementing systemic reforms, such as increased training for providers and expanded insurance coverage, we can ensure that all individuals have equal access to quality medical care.