What is Discrimination in Healthcare Settings?
Discrimination in healthcare settings refers to any unfair treatment or exclusion of individuals based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, age, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics. It can take many forms, including verbal harassment, physical assault, denial of care, and administrative barriers to accessing services. Bisexual individuals may face discrimination because they are perceived as promiscuous, unstable, or more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors. This can lead to negative attitudes towards bisexuals from both providers and other patients, which can affect access to quality healthcare.
Experiences with Discrimination
Many bisexual individuals have reported experiences of discrimination in healthcare settings due to their sexuality. Some have been refused care or told that their sexuality was "unnatural" or sinful. Others have faced stereotypes about bisexuals being more promiscuous than heterosexuals or homosexuals. Some providers may assume that bisexuals are lying about their partnerships, or question their commitment or monogamy. These experiences can make it difficult for bisexuals to find trustworthy, empathetic, and knowledgeable providers who understand their unique needs.
Impacts on Trust in Providers
Experiencing discrimination in healthcare settings can significantly impact an individual's trust in providers. When providers do not respect the patient's autonomy, dignity, and privacy, it undermines the therapeutic relationship. Bisexual individuals may feel stigmatized, shamed, or judged by providers, leading to anxiety, fear, and distrust. They may avoid seeking medical attention altogether, delaying treatment for serious illnesses or injuries.
Providers who fail to address biphobia or homophobia within their practice risk losing patients who seek services elsewhere.
Overcoming Bias and Building Trust
To overcome bias and build trust in healthcare settings, providers must acknowledge their own attitudes and prejudices towards bisexuality. This includes educating themselves on bisexual health issues, attending LGBTQ+ cultural competency training, and creating a welcoming environment for all patients. Bisexual individuals can also advocate for themselves by researching providers, asking questions about provider experience with sexual minorities, and reporting instances of discrimination to regulatory bodies. Above all, both providers and patients should work together to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
Have you experienced discrimination or bias in healthcare settings due to your bisexuality, and how has it influenced your trust in providers?
Discrimination based on sexual orientation is still prevalent in many healthcare settings, including but not limited to hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other medical establishments. This discrimination can take various forms, such as denial of care, poor quality of care, unequal treatment, and verbal abuse.