We know that health outcomes improve when LGBTQ patients – adults and youth alike – have access to providers who are friendly, inclusive, and competent to provide care to their specific needs. The following resources offer guidance and resources to improve care provision, create more inclusive and welcoming spaces, and opportunities for further training and education as providers. We also know that LGBTQ youth have specific health needs that are different than adults. They also provide guidance on care and resources in Colorado for LGBTQ youth and their families.
Resources to Work with Adult Patients
- Closing the Gap: The Turning Point for LGBTQ Health
- Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Resources for Providers
- Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Resources for Providers
- Primary Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients: Best Practices for Providers
- Intake Form Best Practices for LGBTQ Patients
- Resources for Behavioral Health Providers Serving LGBTQ Patients
- Best Practices: Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment for LGBTQ Patients
- Best Practices: Electronic Medical Record Data Collection on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)
- Best Practices: Using Inclusive Language, Terminology, and Communication
Resources to Work with Youth Patients
- The Pediatric Clinics of North America wrote an article that is helpful in understanding ways to better serve LGBTQ youth and includes many resources. Keep in mind that LGBTQ youth are not just “mini adults.” They are still children—general training for working with LGBTQ adults may not be sufficient for treating young patients.
- The Trans Youth Equality Foundation (TYEF) provides education, advocacy, and support for transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth and their families. You can find provider information on medical, legal, and education resources on health needs here.
- Using inclusive language is essential in demonstrating to your young patients that you respect them and their identity. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) created a guide for using inclusive language that may be helpful. Do not be afraid to ask, and don’t assume.
- The National LGBT Health & Education Center provides free webinars to address a variety of LGBTQ health issues. To find webinars specific to youth health issues, use the phrase “youth” in the search bar.
- In some states, a statement from a medical professional is required in order to alter state identification documents to reflect the patient’s gender identity. Here is a template of that statement.