ABSTRACT

This chapter sets out to establish a human rights focus to improve the health and wellbeing of lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender and gender diverse people. It provides ample evidence that LBQT people suffer unique experiences of discrimination and marginalisation that effect their sexual and reproductive health. The healthcare system and individual healthcare providers currently struggle to keep up with the rapidly expanding array of sexual and gender identities and expressions, and they are not routinely trained in specific health issues. Therefore, they do not provide best practice inclusive care, which is such an important method to overcome health inequalities. Several examples are presented of inclusive service provision in sexual health, reproduction, relationship support and counselling services, and parenting support. Health promotion initiatives such as cervical and breast screening also require improvement to include tailored approaches for people of diverse sexual and gender identities. The chapter throws out a challenge to healthcare providers to fully understand the socio-political context of LBQT lives, the health outcomes, and so provide best practice service and advocacy responses.