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The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community comprises a broad cross-cultural range of community members. It includes all races, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and a range of socioeconomic statuses. The healthcare needs of the LGBTQ community should be considered to provide the best care and avoid inequalities of care. This activity reviews the evaluation and treatment of members of the LGBTQ community. It highlights the role of the interprofessional team in caring for patients who are members of this community in a professional, ethical, and caring manner. Objectives: Determine acceptable terms for gender and sexual identity in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning community. Identify challenges in caring for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning community. Improve communication strategies to provide culturally correct evaluation and treatment of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning community. Strategize with the interprofessional strategies to ensure cultural competence in caring for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning patients. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community comprises a broad cross-cultural range of community members. It includes all races, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. The healthcare needs of the LGBTQ community should be considered to provide the best care and avoid inequalities of care.[1][2] Culturally competent care of a member of this community includes:[3] Care that targets a specific population Social and structural equality of care Avoidance of discrimination and stigmatization LGBTQ individuals are more likely to experience grave psychosocial stressors throughout their lives that compromise their cardiovascular health. There is significant evidence that LGBTQ individuals are more likely to use tobacco as opposed to cisgender heterosexual adults.[4][5] Sexual minority women have been reported to have higher BMI than heterosexual women. Racial and ethnic differences in BMI are seen in sexual minority women, with women of Afro-Carribean origin more likely to be obese as opposed to White women.[6] Recent analyses of objective evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey show that bisexual men have 69% higher chances of obesity than heterosexual men.[7] Moreover, the use of gender-affirming hormones has been associated with poor cardiovascular health in transgender people due to the cardiovascular effects of these treatments.[8] The use of gender-affirming hormones in transgender women could be associated with cardiometabolic changes; however, the strength of existing evidence is limited by methodological issues. Health content relevant to the LGBTQ community should be included in health professions curricula.

Better patient outcomes will be achieved in the care of the LGBTQ community if providers learn the terms, understand healthcare risks, and maintain a wealth of knowledge in the care of these patients. Remember to use gender-neutral language, consider the possibility of anxiety and depression, and evaluate for sexually transmitted infections. It is most important to respect LGBTQ patients and remember that the challenges they face from society are substantial.