LGBT+ awareness is an important component of high-quality cervical screening practice. CervicalCheck recognises that lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and other LGBT+ individuals may face unique barriers to accessing screening, including misconceptions about eligibility, previous negative healthcare experiences, concerns about discrimination, and a lack of inclusive communication. It is essential that sample takers understand that cervical screening eligibility is based on the presence of a cervix rather than sexual orientation or gender identity. By adopting an inclusive, respectful and person-centred approach, sample takers can help reduce health inequalities, improve screening uptake, and ensure that all eligible individuals feel safe, welcomed and supported when attending for cervical screening.
- Quick Reference Guide - Provision of cervical screening to the LGBT+ community
- LGBT+ Cervical Screening Study
- The National Screening Service launches LGBT+ Cervical Screening Study Press Release - Sept 2021
- LGBT+ awareness for Cervical Screening
- ‘LGBT+ Awareness and Inclusion: the basics’ HSeLanD module will give you an understanding of LGBT+ identities and relevant health issues, and provide tips on how to be more inclusive of LGBT+ participants. You can also access activities for your workplace, resources to develop your knowledge, and tools to help you support LGBT+ people on HSeLanD here.
- ‘An Introduction to Transgender Awareness in Healthcare’ aims to improve your awareness of issues and healthcare pathways that impact the lives of transgender people and their families. You can access HSeLanD module here.
- Sexual Health Network - LGBTI+ Inclusion for Healthcare Professionals and Support Workers working in Sexual Health: This webinar is presented by the Sexual Health Network members, the Sexual Health Centre, Gay Project and LINC discussing the importance of LGBTI+ inclusive approaches to sexual health. This webinar is aimed at any healthcare practitioners, social care workers, youth workers or other support workers whose work involves any aspect of sexual health, whether that is day to day frontline, or supporting clients of your service sometimes or only occasionally includes support in relation to relationships, sexual wellbeing or other related aspects.
If you have any suggestions for resources that would help you deliver cervical screening to the LGBT+ community, you can email the LGBT+ CervicalCheck point of contact on info@cervicalcheck.ie