Rainbow Young People’s Experiences of Primary Care in Aotearoa New Zealand
“We Just Want to Be Treated Normally and to Have That Healthcare That Comes along with It”: Rainbow Young People’s Experiences of Primary Care in Aotearoa New Zealand
We are delighted to have published this research in the Special issue LGBTQ+ Youth: Experiences, Needs and Aspirations.
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/2/4/49
Our paper is titled: “We Just Want to Be Treated Normally and to Have That Healthcare That Comes along with It”: Rainbow Young People’s Experiences of Primary Care in Aotearoa New Zealand. We held focus groups with rainbow young people in Aotearoa New Zealand to explore experiences of engaging with primary care.
We identified four main themes were identified:
(i) anticipated and enacted discrimination,
(ii) building trust,
(iii) confidentiality
(iv) healthcare provider knowledge and competence.
Participants spoke of some positive experiences but perceived these to be lucky or surprising, with most also having encountered less supportive interactions and heteronormative views. Visual indicators of rainbow-friendliness in clinic settings were appreciated only if affirmed by inclusive and accepting practice. Frustrations were expressed about gaps in provider knowledge and the sense of having to educate clinicians about rainbow-specific health issues. Primary care providers can facilitate positive consultations with rainbow young people by using clear communication to build trusting relationships, and by being accepting, non-judgmental and transparent about confidentiality.
