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Aired Dec 2, 2021

LGBTQ+ Inclusive Language

Looking for ways to keep the conversation going about LGBTQ+ issues with your ERG, community group, or PFLAG chapter? Welcome to Something to Talk About, a series designed by PFLAG National’s Straight for Equality program to create conversation about LGBTQ+ issues. Each week we’ll offer an article on LGBTQ+ topics and suggest a few questions you can use to lead a discussion. 

We hosted a conversation about this article as a part of PFLAG Connects and Something to Talk About Live on Thursday, December 2. Did you miss it? You can still watch it here! We were joined by Dr. Harmon, who authored the article and serves as the President of the American Medical Association. 

Have feedback about how your conversation went? Let us know by e-mailing [email protected]. 

Article: Our Words Matter. It’s Time to Get Them Right.

Source: AMA-ASSN.org

Author: Dr. Gerald E. Harmon, MD

Questions for Discussion:

  1. In your interactions with healthcare providers, can you identify times when you’ve felt included and/or comfortable because of their inclusive language or behavior? How did it feel? If you can’t answer “yes” to this question, can you describe what the experience was for you and what (if any) impact it had on the quality of your care?

  2. What are some of the words you’ve heard used in healthcare settings that you think can be pejorative and possibly make people feel marginalized? Do you think providers who may use these words fully understand the impact of their actions? If you’ve experienced this, have you ever raised the issue with a provider?

  3. In 2020, the American Medical Association adopted policies that explicitly denounced racism, calling it a public health threat. Do you think that this is an effective strategy for organizations like the AMA to address inequality? What kinds of other changes do you think could/should be made for eliminating systemic disparities for LGBTQ+ patients? 

Bonus read: Check out the AMA’s strategic plan to embed racial justice and advance health equity for all patients. 

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