In the final instalment of our LGBT feature week sex, intimacy and relationships therapist, Emma Ziff, offers her top tips on showing your pharmacy is inclusive.

Creating a welcoming environment

A question from pharmacist, Sonil, is how to create a welcoming pharmacy to be inclusive of LGBT clients. Here are some things you could do:

  • Display LGBT-specific leaflets, including local or national magazines or newsletters about and for LGBT and HIV-positive individuals.
  • Visibly post a non-discrimination statement stating that equal care will be provided to all patients, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, physical ability or attributes, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.
  • Post rainbow flags, pink triangles, unisex bathroom signs, or other LGBT-friendly symbols or stickers.
  • Exhibit posters showing racially and ethnically diverse same-sex couples or transgender people – or posters from non-profit LGBT or HIV/AIDS organisations.
  • Display brochures (multilingual when possible and appropriate) about LGBT health concerns, such as breast cancer, safe sex, hormone therapy, mental health, substance use, and sex STIs.
  • Acknowledge relevant days of observance in your practice such as World AIDS Day, LGBT Pride Day, and National Transgender Day of Remembrance.

 Pride in Practice

Pride in Practice is a quality assurance service to improve relationship with your lesbian, gay and bisexual patients in the local community. You can find this at lgbt.foundation/prideinpractice

 One in five lesbian, gay and bisexual patients state their sexual orientation can prevent accessing health services.

  • One in four lesbian, gay and bisexual people are not out to any health professionals.
  • Lesbian, gay and bisexual patients are twice as likely to report no trust or confidence in their GP.