Creating LGBTQIA+-Inclusive Health Care as a Supportive Care Strategy

LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and others) people are threatened by stigma and discrimination, and experience an abundance of health-related disparities, inequities, and significant obstacles when accessing high-quality health care. As a result, LGBTQIA+ individuals underutilize the healthcare system, highlighting the demand for culturally competent and sensitive healthcare teams. Nursing professionals have an integral role in transforming health care for LGBTQIA+ patients and must align their practice with their professional duty of delivering equitable, culturally competent, and sensitive care to the LGBTQIA+ community. This article outlines strategies on how oncology nurses can offer culturally competent and inclusive health care to LGBTQIA+ patients.