The issue of stigma has been at the forefront of discussions about healthcare systems, particularly those that are built around heteronormativity. Stigmas associated with different types of identities have existed for years in various forms, including race, gender, socioeconomic status, age, religion, physical appearance, and even sexual orientation and gender identity.
These stigmas have had an adverse effect on LGBTQ+ individuals' access to healthcare services due to their inability to obtain equitable queer-inclusive care. This essay will explore how stigma affects treatment and outcomes in healthcare systems built around heteronormativity and what reforms could create equitable queer-inclusive care.
Stigma is defined as a negative attitude or prejudice towards something, which can lead to discrimination or exclusion based on one's perceived characteristics. In healthcare systems built around heteronormativity, there exists a normative expectation of certain behaviors and preferences such as being heterosexual, cisgendered, and monogamous. People who do not conform to this standard often face challenges accessing quality healthcare. The existence of biases against non-heteronormative sexual orientations and gender identities creates barriers to seeking medical attention, receiving appropriate treatment, and accessing resources needed to address their unique needs.
Transgender individuals are often denied hormone therapy, mental health support, and gender-affirming surgeries simply because they identify as transgender. Non-binary and pansexual people also experience difficulties when trying to receive medical care due to the lack of understanding and knowledge about their identities within the system.
The effects of stigma in healthcare can be detrimental to both physical and mental well-being. According to research conducted by the National Academies Press (NAP), LGBTQ+ individuals report higher rates of poor health than their non-LGBT counterparts due to their experiences with discrimination, violence, and trauma. They are more likely to have mental health issues like depression and anxiety, substance abuse disorders, and suicidal thoughts. Further, the NAP study showed that LGBTQ+ patients faced significant obstacles when accessing adequate primary care services, including refusals for appointments, delay in treatment, and denial of service based on their identities. These experiences lead to mistrust, fear, and avoidance, which further exacerbates health disparities among the population.
Reforms need to be implemented to create a queer-inclusive healthcare system that addresses these issues. Firstly, healthcare providers must undergo sensitivity training to increase their awareness of the unique needs of LGBTQ+ patients. Secondly, policies should be put in place to ensure all people have access to quality healthcare regardless of their identity or sexual orientation. Thirdly, insurance companies should cover the cost of gender-affirming surgeries, hormone therapy, and other treatments related to gender transition. Lastly, healthcare facilities should employ a diverse workforce that is representative of the patient population they serve.
Stigmas associated with different types of identities have affected the accessibility of healthcare services for LGBTQ+ individuals. The reforms suggested above would help create equitable queer-inclusive care and improve overall health outcomes. Healthcare systems built around heteronormativity must take action to address this issue and provide equal access to all people who seek medical attention.
In healthcare systems built around heteronormativity, how does stigma affect treatment and outcomes, and what reforms could create equitable queer-inclusive care?
The stigmatization of queer people within healthcare can lead to inadequate and discriminatory treatment as well as poor outcomes for those seeking medical attention. The lack of inclusion and understanding of queer individuals within traditional healthcare settings often results in misdiagnoses, delays in diagnosis, and a reluctance to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity with patients. This can prevent queer individuals from receiving adequate care, leading to negative health outcomes.