Tonda L Hughes1, Kasey Jackman2, Caroline Dorsen3, Cynthia Arslanian-Engoren4, Lauren Ghazal4, Thomas Christenberry-Deceased5, Christopher Lance Coleman6, Melissa Mackin7, Scott Emory Moore8, Ronica Mukerjee9, Athena Sherman10, Sheila Smith11, Rachel Walker12. 1. Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University. Electronic address: Th2696@cumc.columbia.edu. 2. Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA; NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. 3. Rutgers University School of Nursing, Newark, NJ, USA. 4. University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 5. Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Memphis, TN, USA. 6. Indiana University School of Nursing, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA. 7. University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. 8. Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Cleveland, OH, USA. 9. Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA. 10. Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. 11. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. 12. Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, Amherst, MA, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people, also commonly referred to as sexual and gender minorities (SGMs), live in every part of the United States and encompass all races and/or ethnicities, religions, and social classes. Major reports from various sources document higher rates of health issues (e.g., substance abuse, depression, suicidality, cardiovascular disease) among SGMs than heterosexuals. Chronic stress related to marginalization and discrimination is a key contributor to these disparities. The nursing profession has paid relatively little attention to SGM health issues. PURPOSE AND METHODS: To address these gaps, the first National Nursing LGBTQ Health Summit brought together nursing deans, leaders of national nursing organizations, and other participants from across the United States. FINDINGS: Participants agreed that increasing SGM-specific content in nursing curricula, practice guidelines, faculty development, and research is necessary to improve the health of SGM people. DISCUSSION: The Summit ended with a call to action for the nursing profession to prioritize SGM health through innovations in education, research, and practice.
BACKGROUND: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people, also commonly referred to as sexual and gender minorities (SGMs), live in every part of the United States and encompass all races and/or ethnicities, religions, and social classes. Major reports from various sources document higher rates of health issues (e.g., substance abuse, depression, suicidality, cardiovascular disease) among SGMs than heterosexuals. Chronic stress related to marginalization and discrimination is a key contributor to these disparities. The nursing profession has paid relatively little attention to SGM health issues. PURPOSE AND METHODS: To address these gaps, the first National Nursing LGBTQ Health Summit brought together nursing deans, leaders of national nursing organizations, and other participants from across the United States. FINDINGS: Participants agreed that increasing SGM-specific content in nursing curricula, practice guidelines, faculty development, and research is necessary to improve the health of SGM people. DISCUSSION: The Summit ended with a call to action for the nursing profession to prioritize SGM health through innovations in education, research, and practice.