Discuss your viewpoint on the current nursing advocacy policies regarding LGBTQ health and what improvements and steps can be taken by advanced practice nurses to lend more support to this patient population.

As an advanced-practice nurse, I believe strongly in advocating for all patients, and that includes those who are LGBTQ. The current advocacy policies represent a positive step, but much can still be done in order to provide equitable healthcare for this group. The education of LGBTQ members on health concerns and how to best treat them is an area where improvements can be made. Although some health care providers have knowledge of LGBTQ-specific issues, they are often not prepared or knowledgeable enough to give competent care to their patients. It is important that all healthcare providers receive further training in topics like cultural competency, gender identity, sexuality, mental illnesses common to LGBTQ people, and other general health issues.

The advanced practice nurse must create a safe environment for individuals to disclose their sexuality or gender identity without feeling judged. This includes ensuring staff provide respectful language when addressing patients (i.e., using preferred pronouns) and being aware of potential biases that may arise from one’s own personal beliefs. APNs may also lend support to the fight against discrimination by joining lobbying campaigns around laws and policies that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex/gender identities (e.g. restroom bills). We can reduce disparities by advocating both at an individual patient level and on a larger scale, through policies change initiatives.