Primary health care and equity: the case of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex Australians
Gabi Rosenstreich A , Jude Comfort A B D and Paul Martin A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A National LGBTI Health Alliance, PO Box 51, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia.
B WA Centre for Health Promotion Research, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.
C Queensland Association for Healthy Communities, PO Box 1372, Eagle Farm, Qld 4009, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: j.comfort@curtin.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 17(4) 302-308 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY11036
Submitted: 30 March 2011 Accepted: 25 July 2011 Published: 15 November 2011
Abstract
The current period of health reform in Australia offers an opportunity for positive actions to be taken to address the significant challenges that lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and other sexuality, sex and gender diverse (LGBTI) people face in the health system. This paper provides analysis of why this group should be considered a priority health group using a social determinants of health framework, which has, to date, largely been ignored within primary health care policy reform in Australia. Several key areas of the primary health care reform package are considered in relation to LGBTI health and well-being. Practical suggestions are provided as to how the primary health care sector could contribute to reducing the health inequities affecting LGBTI people. It is argued that care needs to be taken to ensure the reform process does not further marginalise this group.
Additional keywords: health reform, homosexual, sexual orientation, transgender.
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