Communicating with the LGBTQIA+ Community

Abstract

During dietetic training, and often in post-graduate education, there is much focus on communication skills, and they are one of the cornerstones of clinical practice. Effective communication skills are utilised to gain and deliver information to patients and other healthcare professionals and negotiate behavioural change. However, what has been, and to some extent still is lacking, is education surrounding the appropriate use of language regarding inclusivity, such as relating to sexuality and gender identity. Utilizing appropriate language is key to building and sustaining therapeutic relationships and ensures that both the clinician and patient have the same interpretation of what is being asked. Both clinically, as well as within the research and industry setting, the appropriate use of language allows all parties involved to deliver and receive information in the most effective way. This opinion piece rooted in experiences and clinical practice of the author will focus on some useful language that should be considered when consulting with the LGBTQIA+ community relating to identities, relationships and activities within this diverse group of people.