Addressing LGBTQ+ Discrimination
About this Framework
Closing the Divide: Building Trust by Addressing Bias in Medicine provides a framework for how to respond internally and externally to encounters marked by biased behaviors in the clinical and nonclinical settings. The tools provided will assist with creating a platform for honest, open discussions about the presence and impact of biased behaviors in both clinical and nonclinical settings in medicine.
About this Module
In this module, an employee encounters his supervisor expressing biased statements regarding a new LGBTQ+ affinity organization. The comments made in this module are considered microaggressions related to multiple aspects of one’s identity including gender identity and sexual orientation. Microaggressions are defined as snubs, slights, or insults directed toward minorities or stigmatized groups that implicitly communicate or engender hostility. Microaggressions communicate disrespect, devaluation, and the exclusion of members of a particular group (Sue et al. 2007 American Psychologist). This type of aggression can generate stresses equal to or worse than overt discrimination resulting in negative impacts on the psychological and physical health of the recipients (Torres et al 2019 JAMA Surgery). The module introduces the definition of an ally and demonstrates how we can all act as allies for marginalized groups. Consider the questions below:
Reflection Questions
Have you ever experienced or witnessed microaggressions related to sexual orientation directed towards yourself or a colleague?
What are some of the thoughts or questions that came to mind as you viewed this encounter?
In this situation, should you respond to the supervisor or ignore the comments and continue with the encounter?
How would you respond during an encounter like this?
How would you support a colleague if you witnessed an encounter with aggression or discrimination directed at the LGBTQ+ community?
Clear the AIRR
The Clear the AIRR provides a framework for how to respond internally and externally to encounters marked by biased behaviors in the clinical and nonclinical settings
The Clear the AIRR tool is a curriculum that supports and empowers the healthcare team to respond when experiencing or witnessing macroaggressions and microaggressions or other biased behaviors in the clinical and nonclinical settings.
ASSESS
Determine whether the setting is conducive to having a productive dialogue about the concerns raised. Should the conversation take place in a more private setting? Will your colleague be open to fruitful dialogue that will challenge their ideas? Should other support personnel present?
IDENTIFY
Seek to understand the perspective being shared and the underlying cause of the behavior being displayed.
RESPOND
These types of conversations can prove to be difficult to maneuver as you positively challenge the ideas of others. Responding provides an opportunity to encourage transparency, awareness of blindspots and open mindedness to new ways of thinking.
REPORT
Debriefing and reporting the encounter ensures the person subjected to the behavior has a safe space to process the experience. Refer to the video portion of this module for specific reporting methods.
Thank You for Participating
With this framework, we hope that you learned helpful tips and techniques on how to address encounters marked by biased behaviors. Our goal is that this serves as a platform for honest, open discussions about the presence and impact of biased behaviors in various settings. We encourage you to share this training with your trainees and colleagues
