LGBT Teens as Patients
What to tell your patients: with gay teens, doctors remain phobic
Coming out to a physician is an incredible step for GLBT teens, and
reaching that point involves a lot of effort and patience on the
physician's part. With this said, the article mentions physicians
rarely discuss sexual orientation with teens which further perpetuates
feelings of shame and embarrassment on the teens part while waiting
for the physician to bring up the touchy subject.
The dynamics surrounding a discussion of sexual orientation with teens
is different than with adults. A low-key approach is recommended
starting with questions surrounding quality of life and social life at
school which may point out issues of violence or harassment. It is
important these conversations are had with the absence of parents. The
process of comfortable discussion surrounding sexual orientation with
teens will likely be new and uncomfortable to some doctors.
The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association offer guidelines on how to
create a welcoming clinical environment for GLB(gay, lesbian,
bisexual) patients as well as suggestions on how to formulate your
questions (www.glma.org). "Doctors are human beings and some have
their own prejudices," says Dr Meckler. "But practice this sort of
conversation with all patients, make it routine and it will get
easier," he promises.