This report, which you can download below, outlines the context for the statement's review and the key messages, recommendations and conclusions of the engagement work.
AYPH spoke to about 15 young people via group discussions and interviews between March and May 2024. Their feedback highlighted positive aspects of the RCPCH principle statement, Supporting LGBTQ+ children and young people, which had been published in June 2020 and was due for an update.
I always feel more comfortable in a medical setting when I see staff wearing LGBTQ+ rainbow lanyards, name badges or posters celebrating diversity in a waiting room.
The discussions with young people in this engagement project highlighted ways in which the RCPCH principle statement could be updated. The themes included:
- treating LGBTQ+ young people as individuals, with different health needs
- the significance of confidentiality, discretion and privacy for LGBTQ+ young people
- the importance to young people of being recognised and their preferred pronouns and names being used
- the importance of not relating all health issues to young people’s sexuality or gender
- the need for safe advocacy and adult support for LGBTQ+ young people recognising the complex relationships that some LGBTQ+ young people can have with parents, carers and teachers.
Yeah, respecting patients … pronouns and names, able to explain what they may be asked for before appointments. Just being non-judgmental.
The young people involved in this project also gave recommendations on broader aspects of care for LGBTQ+ young people. These included:
- better parent/carer public information and education
- training for staff and increased knowledge on the topic amongst health professionals
- increased sources of support for young people.