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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)
and STDs
August 2010 Feature
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SWAP August, 2010 Feature
LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) and STDs
Sexual Identity and Behavior
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) individuals may have unique needs related to STD/HIV prevention and care. Clinicians and sexual health educators should be aware that identity does not dictate the sexual behavior of a person who identifies as LGBT. Basic to these considerations is not to assume heterosexual identity or behaviors. Most Lesbian identified women (53%-99%) have had sex with men, and many (21%-30%) continue to do so (Marrazzo 2004). A man who identifies as heterosexual may have male partners. Asking patients specific questions about sexual behaviors can prevent missed opportunities to appropriately screen patients for STDs. The pamphlet, A Guide to Sexual History Taking, may help to provide clinicians with language that can be used to ask these questions; http://stdhivtraining.org/resources.php?id=3&ret=resource_search
Providing services in a respectful, nonjudgmental, and culturally sensitive manner are other approaches that help to promote sexual health in both clinical and educational settings. Cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness increases the clients comfort and use of all services. The following resources include useful examples of ways to design a positive environment:
Creating Safe Space for GLBTQ Youth: A Toolkit
The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association has a wealth of resources for medical providers and for patients including:
http://glma.org/_data/n_0001/resources/live/GLMA%20guidelines%202006%20FINAL.pdf
LGBT and STDs
In California, rates of HIV and syphilis are higher among men who have sex with men (MSM). As a result, social marketing for these infections have targeted MSM, primarily gay men. The STD-Prevent campaign highlighted in a prior SWAP feature is one of those, and is available online at www.stdcheckup.org San Franciscos Healthy Penis campaign focused on regular syphilis screening for MSM. That campaign is also available to view online at www.healthypenis.org
Women who have sex with women (WSW) are also at risk for STDs. A fact sheet is available for clinicians related to STDs among WSW at http://stdhivtraining.org/resource.php?id=225&ret=resource_search .
The need for STD education and intervention is crucial for LGBT and all patients we serve.
- Minor LGBT clients are in need of information that describes minor consent and their health rights
- Women who have sex with women (WSW) need to have regular pap tests and gynecological care.
- Sexually active clients should be tested regularly for HIV/STDs (e.g. Hookup - a text messaging resource for youth)
- Clients with STDs should be provided support and referrals for partners notification (e.g. inSPOT)
Additional Resources
- Straightlaced-How Genders Got Us All Tied Up is the first feature-length documentary and educational campaign to explore how gender expectations limit the lives of all teenagers. For more information about the film and campaign link to www.groundspark.org
- Link here to a short list of California LGBT clinics and organizations.
- Youth Social Marketing Tool Kit; A step by step guide to social marketing for community groups who work with youth. Find information about segmenting populations for specific messaging and other helpful social marketing techniques.
Highlighted LGBT resources on SWAP:
School should be a place to learn, not to battle
You care about your partner and so do we.
Dont let syphilis knock you out
CDC Viral Hepatitis Information for Gay and Bisexual Men
Go to SWAP Material Search page for a full range of materials available on SWAP and enter key words to get desired materials.