Views on sexuality
A couple years ago, at work, I met a patient while I was working on the psych floor whose Views on sexuality were very different from mine. The patient expressed discomfort and even hostility toward individuals who identified as LGBTQIA+. As someone who values inclusivity and affirms diverse identities, I found it challenging to remain neutral while providing care. I had to balance my personal beliefs with my professional responsibility to offer compassionate, unbiased support. At the time, I felt frustrated and saddened by the patient’s views, but I also recognized that their perspective may have been shaped by trauma, cultural influences, or lack of education.
Look back, I see that interaction as a moment of growth. It reminded me that empathy doesn’t mean agreement-it means understanding. For anyone wanting to reduce bias in their interactions with individuals of different sexualities or sexual practices, I recommend starting with education and self-reflection. The LGBTQIA + Glossary of Terms for Health Care Teams is a great resource for learning respectful language and understanding the spectrum of identities (National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center, 2024). Practicing cultural humility, asking respectful questions, and being open to learning can go a long way in building trust and reducing stigma.
National LGBTQIA+Health Education Center. (2024). LGBTQIA+ Glossary of Terms for Health Care Teams. Retrieved from https://www.lgbtqiaahealtheducation.org/publication/glossary
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