This page provides a series of service provision tips and service audit tools to assist health care providers provide quality care to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) clients.

The impact of discrimination on the basis of sexuality and gender identity not only impacts upon the health and wellbeing of LGBT people but our attitudes towards accessing services and addressing health concerns.

When accessing services and addressing health concerns LGBT people often:

• Delay using health and health-related services
• Are less likely to access preventative screening for physical health conditions
• Keep their sexual identity and sexual behaviours from health providers
• Expect or have previously experienced negative reactions from health providers on the basis of their sexuality and/or gender identity
• Assume health providers do not have any knowledge of LGBT issues

However small changes to service environments, health providers work practices and service policies can make a big difference to creating inclusive and welcoming services for LGBT clients.

Sexual Diversity Health Services Audit

This audit provides a guideline for services to use to monitor if there service environments, work practices, staff training and policy, resource distribution are inclusive of LGBT clients. The Audit provides a rating system for services and tips to improve service provision LGBT clients. This Audit has been produced by the Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria. Open the Sexual Health Services Audit >

Guidelines for Health Care Providers to enhance lesbian Health care

These guidelines provide key points to assist health care providers working with lesbian women including knowledge and understanding, communication skills, attitudes and practice environments. These guidelines have been produced by Dr Ruth McNair, Melbourne University. Open the Guidelines for Health Care Providers >

Guidelines for care of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients

This is an extensive booklet that provides information creating welcoming service environments and work practices with LGBT clients. Specific information is also provided for working with bisexual and lesbian women and bisexual and gay men. These guidelines have been produced by the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association. Open Guidelines for care of LGBT patients >