Strategies for Identity-Affirming Language and Their Effects in LGBTQ+ Healthcare
Major
Anthropology
Anticipated Graduation Year
2021
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
Over time, the medical field has changed its approach to quality patient treatment by not only holding a high respect for cultural competency, but also for the numerous identities that shape a person’s beliefs and practices. One’s sexuality and gender-identification can have a profound impact on the way they would like to be addressed and treated in a clinical or hospital setting. Effective treatment is not limited to medications and procedures. It transcends physical practices to include how medical professionals communicate with their patients. Inclusive language is of the utmost importance when participating in dialogue with patients whose gender and sexuality cannot be generalized under heteronormative vocabulary, grammar, syntax, etc. LGBTQ+ specific clinics exist to “eliminate the disparities in healthcare experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people” through education, advocacy, service, and research (Willow Health). This study analyzes language used by a Chicago LGBTQ+ healthcare clinic, which I refer to here as Willow Health, from 2019-2021. By analyzing publicly available linguistic artifacts, including the clinic's flyers, websites, and social media, and interviewing clinic staff, this study reveals both language’s impact in inclusive healthcare and changes healthcare providers can make to provide holistic and identity-affirming care.
Community Partners
"Willow Health" Clinic
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Dr. Thea Strand
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Strategies for Identity-Affirming Language and Their Effects in LGBTQ+ Healthcare
Over time, the medical field has changed its approach to quality patient treatment by not only holding a high respect for cultural competency, but also for the numerous identities that shape a person’s beliefs and practices. One’s sexuality and gender-identification can have a profound impact on the way they would like to be addressed and treated in a clinical or hospital setting. Effective treatment is not limited to medications and procedures. It transcends physical practices to include how medical professionals communicate with their patients. Inclusive language is of the utmost importance when participating in dialogue with patients whose gender and sexuality cannot be generalized under heteronormative vocabulary, grammar, syntax, etc. LGBTQ+ specific clinics exist to “eliminate the disparities in healthcare experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people” through education, advocacy, service, and research (Willow Health). This study analyzes language used by a Chicago LGBTQ+ healthcare clinic, which I refer to here as Willow Health, from 2019-2021. By analyzing publicly available linguistic artifacts, including the clinic's flyers, websites, and social media, and interviewing clinic staff, this study reveals both language’s impact in inclusive healthcare and changes healthcare providers can make to provide holistic and identity-affirming care.
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