16/05/2022
MAY 17 is IDAHOBT - the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia - a day that writes is about aiming to raise awareness of the ongoing fight for equality, and the discrimination that many sexuality and gender diverse people throughout the world continue to experience.
The theme of 2022 is “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights”, which seeks to draw attention to the many challenges still facing + communities around the world. Examples of these include difficulty in access to healthcare, discrimination once at a provider, disregard for non-biological parents in same-sex couples, inappropriate questioning and general lack of awareness.
Within the sphere, as both a and a , I recognise the dire need for further education of our regarding language, understanding, medical awareness and appropriateness.
My recent article in discusses the potential areas of improvement in this space and provides practical suggests to address these issues within our pharmacy workspace.
It is fundamentally unacceptable for patients to be our educators. It is not their responsibility.
I strongly feel the LGBTIQ+ community should NOT experience ANY form of or within Australia, especially within the space of healthcare.
I urge healthcare practitioners to arm themselves with the knowledge required to practice appropriately - starting with respectable language.
I hope one day, a specific day to highlight discrimination and inequality of a population is no longer required. In the meantime, I want the LGBTIQ+ community to know is a safe space.