Cultural Heritage and Inclusive Healthcare: Bridging Gaps

One thing many people take pride in is their cultural heritage. Culture can be described as the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of indigenous or social groups that have been passed down through generations. The U.S. Census Bureau has documented that 11% of people in America were not native-born, contributing to America’s evolution into a multicultural society (Black, 2017). This diversity is both a strength and a challenge that requires understanding and sensitivity, especially in professional sectors like healthcare.

All cultures have unique beliefs and values.

One culture that is rapidly growing in its visibility and membership is the LGBT+ community. According to Tim Fitzsimons, 4.5% or 11 million American adults identify as LGBT+ (Fitzsimons, 2018). With such a diverse populace, healthcare providers must be properly educated to offer sensitive care to people of all cultural backgrounds.

My Southern Cultural Roots

My cultural heritage is steeped in the traditions of the American South. I reside in Metairie, Louisiana, a city just outside New Orleans. Despite its size and population, Metairie feels like a close-knit community where familiar faces abound. My upbringing was typical of a Southern family, with holiday gatherings featuring gumbo, jazz music filling the air, and our home always open to family and friends.

Belonging to Generation Z, or Centennials, I was born in 1999 and raised in the Catholic faith. My parents had me baptized at a young age, and I attended Catholic schools throughout my life. I would describe myself as adaptable, compassionate, ambitious, empathetic, and reliable. I am always eager to take on tasks and commit fully to them. I take great pride in the culture I belong to, especially the hospitality extended to people from all walks of life.

Embracing Diversity

Throughout my life, I have had the privilege to interact with people from various cultural and social backgrounds. For instance, even at my Catholic school, there were students from different religious backgrounds, which allowed me to form friendships and learn about their beliefs. Another significant experience was my volunteer work with Jojo’s Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching swimming to individuals with special needs. Volunteering for over five years, I gained valuable insights into the lives of those with special needs, learning life lessons that emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding.

These experiences have taught me that everyone deserves respect and understanding, regardless of their cultural or social background. This lesson is crucial in my chosen profession of nursing, where understanding and sensitivity are paramount, especially when working with the LGBT+ community. Awareness of personal prejudices is essential, as these could inadvertently affect the quality of care and the patient’s comfort during assessments.

Addressing LGBT+ Healthcare Disparities

When the LGBT+ community seeks healthcare, they often anticipate facing barriers. It is the responsibility of healthcare workers to create inclusive spaces that recognize LGBT+ identities and consider how their experiences might influence their willingness to seek treatment. The lack of knowledge and experience among healthcare professionals often leads to patients feeling discriminated against, potentially causing them to reject further treatment. The LGBT+ community also faces challenges related to limited access and past negative experiences (LSUHSC).

A noteworthy discussion during a presentation I attended was about the challenges faced by transgender individuals regarding bathroom access. The speaker, Dillon King, shared his experience of using the bathroom that aligns with his gender identity, a convenience not afforded to all transgender individuals due to social stigmas in certain communities. This issue exemplifies the barriers and limited access that the LGBT+ community often encounters.

The disparities faced by LGBT+ individuals extend beyond healthcare to education, where bullying is pervasive. Studies indicate that 74.1% of LGBT+ students experience bullying, leading to high rates of absenteeism and emotional distress (LSUHSC). Further research by LSU Health: School of Nursing reveals that bullying contributes to feelings of hopelessness and despair, with an alarming 42.8% of gay, lesbian, or bisexual students in grades nine through twelve having attempted suicide. Such statistics highlight the urgent need for inclusive and supportive environments.

Strategies for Inclusive Healthcare

To address these disparities, several strategies have been proposed, such as using correct pronouns and asking patients about their preferred gender identity at the start of an assessment. Avoiding stereotypes and ensuring open communication are crucial for creating an inclusive environment. Proper education about LGBT+ issues should be mandatory in all healthcare settings to train workers adequately.

Throughout history, the LGBT+ community has faced discrimination from various institutions, leading to the emergence of social movements advocating for rights and acceptance. The first gay rights organization, Society for Human Rights, was established in 1924. Illinois became the first state to decriminalize homosexuality in 1961 (CNN, 2019). Progress continues, including in the medical field, where the AIDS epidemic marked a significant point of involvement for the community in 1981.

One controversial topic not covered in the presentation is the right of LGBT+ individuals to adopt children. This debate typically revolves around parental stability and child outcomes. Research shows that children raised by same-sex parents fare just as well as those raised by different-sex parents, with differences arising mainly from societal prejudices (Manning, 2016). Denying adoption rights could adversely affect the mental health of LGBT+ individuals.

Overall, society often relies on stereotypes, particularly concerning the LGBT+ community. My assumptions aligned with the presentation's information about the diversity within the LGBT+ community, but I was surprised to learn about the complexity of the coming-out process. Understanding the six stages, from confusion to synthesis, changed my perspective.

As I advance in my nursing career, applying strategies from the presentation will be crucial for providing sensitive care to LGBT+ patients. Using inclusive language, maintaining an open mind, and dismissing prejudices are essential steps toward reducing barriers and ensuring that all patients feel welcomed and comfortable in healthcare settings. As society evolves, so do cultural heritages. By equipping ourselves with knowledge and sensitivity, we can better support the diverse communities we serve.

Did you like this example?

1353

71