Learning Resources — Sexual Minority Women

Caring for Sexual Minority Women

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Dr. Jennifer Potter will discuss healthcare considerations for sexual and gender minority women, with particular emphasis on recent innovations and trauma informed care. This webinar will cover best practices and case scenarios, and will provide a solid foundation for caring for this population.

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Supporting the Health Of Sexual Minority Women

This publication provides an introduction to understanding and addressing sexual minority women’s (SMW) health. Although SMW have the same preventive health requirements as all women, they also have unique disparities and health care needs. The first half of this publication describes the physical and behavioral health issues that disproportionately affect sexual minority women (SMW) due to stigma and a shortage of culturally affirming care. The second part highlights evidence-informed practices that hold the most promise in supporting SMW who access health centers. A case example of a patient is presented to illustrate how a disparity can be addressed through the integration of primary care and behavioral health services, and by using a trauma-informed approach.

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Best Practices in Behavioral Health for Sexual Minority Women

In this webinar, Jane Powers discusses health disparities and risk factors among sexual minority women and how lack of culturally affirming care impacts health outcomes. She also highlights strategies that can be used to address implicit provider bias in care for sexual minority women.

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Promoting Cervical Cancer Screening Among Lesbians and Bisexual Women

This Fenway Institute analysis examines the heightened risk profile of lesbians and bisexual women, such as lower rates of health insurance coverage and less access to preventive health care, including routine pelvic exams. It also describes efforts in the UK and Australia to promote Pap tests among lesbians, and why it is important to offer Pap tests to some transgender men, many of whom retain a cervix and may be at risk for cervical cancer. Providers should also be trained in broader LGBT health issues, so that they are equipped to provide clinically competent care to lesbian and bisexual women and transgender men in ways that are sensitive and culturally competent.

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Promoting HPV Vaccine To Prevent Genital Warts and Cancers

Human papilloma virus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, is preventable through a vaccine now recommended for all females and males age 11 to 26. However, vaccination rates remain low in the U.S., in part because only one-third of doctors prescribe the vaccine to eligible patients. HPV infection can lead to genital warts and certain types of cancer. This brief provides an analysis of the current state of HPV vaccination rates in the U.S., finding them lagging well behind other countries, where vaccination campaigns have been more successful. 

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