Describe three political actions nurses could take to strengthen their role in policymaking as it relates to advocacy for improving LGBTQ health. 

The role of nurses in the policymaking process is crucial, particularly when advocating for health and wellbeing within the LGBTQ community. Three political actions that nurses can take to enhance their influence on policy are:

1. Advocate for legislation: Nurses should lobby for changes in the law that will promote LGBTQ health. These include changes to anti-discrimination and discrimination laws and healthcare policies for care that is gender affirming. They can also advocate for mental health coverage and for access to services. Work with LGBTQ advocacy organizations to get support for and promote these changes on the federal, state and local levels.
2. Policymakers can be educated about the special healthcare needs of the LGBTQ community and the challenges they face. Nurses can provide research that highlights health disparities and encourage policies to address them. Nurses can also provide policymakers with resources, such as the Joint Commission & LGBTQ Community and CDC’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health, to help inform policy decisions.
3. Join professional organisations: Nurses who are passionate about LGBTQ health can join organizations such as the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index. Nurses can join these organizations to keep up-to-date on new policy and develop a professional network.

This topic’s AACN MSN essential is entitled Essential VIII: Clinical Prevention & Population Health. The AACN MSN Essential VIII: Clinical Prevention and Population Health emphasizes how important it is to promote health, prevent disease and protect vulnerable groups such as LGBTQ people. Nurses can help promote the clinical prevention of disease and health in the LGBTQ community by advocating for legislation changes, educating decision-makers and joining professional associations.