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Daniel Salomons

Professor Hosten

Introduction to Rhetoric

3 May 2022

LGBTQ+ Disrimination and Healthcare Impact

When we first talked about this project in class, I remember us discussing how certain

issues can tie into an overall theme of public health. When I heard this, I wanted to think about

something beyond the pandemic we are still fighting through. As important as Covid is to be

aware of, it is also important to understand and recognize the other issues facing our world today.

As I was exploring these issues, I came across an article on LGBTQ people and how the

discrimination that people in this community face can lead to health care problems. Looking

through this article, I found many components of this to be very interesting.

The reading begins by talking about basic issues that negatively impact people in the

healthcare industry, this includes stigma and stereotypes that keep people from achieving the

same care as everyone else (How Discrimination Impacts LGBTQ Healthcare). There is a lot of

people who because of this stigma both in and out of the healthcare industry that feel alone and

isolated. It should be the responsibility of the healthcare industry to keep them from feeling this

way and rather help them to feel safe and truly cared for.

Another issue that is at the forefront of healthcare issues regarding LGBTQ people is not

only the stigmas surrounding the community but also the shame that many people are given from

their families (How Discrimination Impacts LGBTQ Healthcare). Part of these issues primarily

have to do with the fact that we live in a heteronormative society (How Discrimination Impacts
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LGBTQ Healthcare). Not only can issues surrounding family affect the life of an individual who

is LGBTQ, but also people who experience bullying in school (How Discrimination Impacts

LGBTQ Healthcare). When it comes to receiving good and compassionate care, these issues

make an even bigger impact because when someone who is LGBTQ is going through these

struggles and then seeks healthcare of any kind and the people treating them are not giving them

the same treatment as somone who is heterosexual, it makes life even harder and can continue to

make people feel alone in this world.

In conclusion, I feel that this reading has given me more insight into how discrimination can

affect LGBTQ individuals in more ways than before. When a person is discriminated against for

these reasons, it can already have such an impact on their mental health and having to worry

about discrimination in places in which people are supposed to help you should not be. I also feel

that this research has helped me to better understand my own discourse literacy because it

reminded me about how passionate I am about fighting for those who need help, especially when

others will not. I will continue to do my best to ensure that no one faces discrimination of any

kind and that we can better the future so that our society can be a place in which all are welcome.

Works Cited
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“How Discrimination Impacts LGBTQ Healthcare.” St. Catherine University, St. Catherine

University, 15 Apr. 2021, https://www.stkate.edu/academics/healthcare-degrees/lgbtq-health-

discrimination.