Affirming Care for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Young People
Learn how to build trust with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ patients by better understanding the historical context of medical mistrust
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Building trust to provide affirming care for young people
The legacy of medical discrimination against both LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals still affects how young people access healthcare today.
Providing care for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ young people means more than just understanding their medical needs—it requires recognizing the long history of discrimination they’ve faced in health care.
Over the course of about 45 minutes, each elearning module explores the historical context as well as the lasting impact of medical mistrust on these specific communities.
Along with interactive activities exploring how to respond to the concerns of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ young people, these modules also include tips for ways that healthcare providers can build trust with their patients.
After you’ve completed these elearning modules, use the following practice guides to learn more about putting affirming care into practice.
What's the history behind medical mistrust in BIPOC young people?
This module explores the history of medical discrimination against BIPOC in the U.S., resulting in mistrust for many.
Through research and real stories from young people, you’ll see how history shapes health care experiences for BIPOC young people today. You’ll also reflect on how to apply this knowledge in your practice to build trust and create affirming, inclusive, trauma-informed environments that honor diverse needs and histories.
What's the history behind medical mistrust in LGBTQ+ young people?
This module deepens your understanding of medical discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and the resulting mistrust it created.
As a healthcare professional supporting young people, understanding the U.S. history of medical discrimination helps you see how health disparities and barriers persist today. It also sheds light on the medical mistrust many LGBTQ+ young people feel, allowing you to approach them with greater empathy and understanding. Building trust is key to providing the inclusive, trauma-informed care young people need.
Putting it into practice
Along with these modules, use the following practice guides to learn more about the basics of affirming care and how to create safer healthcare spaces.
What is affirming care?
When young people feel seen, respected, and valued for who they are, it strengthens their ability to cope with challenges and enhances their sense of self-worth.
This guide walks healthcare providers through a foundational understanding of affirming care. From using inclusive language to understanding gender-affirming care, this resource explores strategies that healthcare providers can put in place to support, validate, and care for their LGBTQ+ patients.
How do I put affirming care into practice?
Healthcare environments that actively respect, affirm, and celebrate LGBTQ+ identities provide a sense of comfort and encourage young people to participate fully in their health and wellness journeys.
This guide outlines several core strategies that healthcare providers can use to create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ young people.
Better together
Have you taken both elearning modules? Stay in touch to help shape the future of these Thrivology resources.
This project is supported by the Office of Population Affairs (OPA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award (1 PHEPA000006-01) totaling $1,063,776.35 with 100 percent funded by OPA/OASH/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by OPA/OASH/HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit opa.hhs.gov.
