Last Updated on May 31, 2016

The National LGB&T Partnership has published Out Loud: LGBT Voices in Health and Social Care, A narrative account of LGBT Needs. Produced in collaboration with National Voices, and developed through working with diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities, the set of narrative statements published in the report explain that lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people want high quality health and social care that takes account of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and describe what this might look like.

The publication is intended to be used both by those who provide services and those who commission services, to support them to work with LGBT people. The aim is to provide a resource to assist in designing and providing care and support that will be successful in meeting LGBT people’s needs, and inclusive of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, focusing outcomes on what matters most to LGBT people as service users.

Paul Martin OBE, Chief Executive of the LGBT Foundation, and Chair of the National LGB&T Partnership, said, 'LGBT people still too often face hostility and are inappropriately treated because of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. Whilst there have been many recent steps towards legislative equality for LGBT people, it is important to remember that legislative change has not always resulted in LGBT people having positive experiences, particularly in relation to receiving health or social care support. Too many people we spoke to either felt they should, or wished they could, hide their sexuality and/or gender identity from the people providing their care because of how they had been treated.'

The report contains a number of 'I Statements' recommendations on what matters most to LGBT people. These include equality, respect and dignity, acceptance, understanding, confidentiality and support.

Out Loud: LGBT Voices in Health and Social Care, A Narrative Account of LGBT Needs is available to read here.