LGBTIQ+ consumer engagement in Community and Oral Health

Members of the COH LGBTIAQ+ working group presented at the HCQ Forum 2022.

The team at Community and Oral Health have developed a new approach to partnering with the LGBTIQ+ community.

This project started from an observation that services needed to be more welcoming and supportive of LGBTIQ+ consumers. A co-design approach was implemented and a working group was established.

Leadership from the LGBTIQ+ community was essential in capturing perspectives of the LGBTIQ+ community and their networks on the working group. Collaboration with the LGBTIQ+ community lead to a better understanding about the social determinants of health, breaking down stigma, eliminating discrimination and identifying concerns around confidentiality can greatly impact on people’s healthcare journey. These aspects are very important to person-centred healthcare.

Some of the actions being progressed include:

• showcasing the benefits of co-deign.
• Staff education and revision of client resources to be inclusive of the LGBTIQ+ community.
• Safe space, rainbow room with volunteers assisting staff and consumers on issues experienced by the LGBTIQ+ community. The team are looking to broaden the focus to provide a welcoming environment for consumers and staff from diverse backgrounds.