Nondiscrimination Policies and Procedures
Sample Policies and Procedures
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has compiled samples of policies and procedures from healthcare facilities throughout the nation that are foundational to LGBTQ patient-centered care. These samples can be found on the HRC website: https://www.hrc.org/hei/non-discrimination-and-staff-training-resources.
Posters, Brochures, Signs, and Other Items
Handouts and Posters
The LGBT Health Education Center offers free patient handouts for download. Topics include encouraging patients to disclose their LGBTQ status, medication management, STDs, and a series called “Take Charge of Your Health!” All handouts can be found on the center’s website: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/resources/in/patient-education-materials/ .
Pins
Some healthcare facilities encourage providers to wear LGBTQ lapel pins to identify specially trained staff as LGBTQ allies and resources. A variety of pins can be purchased from the Human Rights Campaign (https://shop.hrc.org/jewelry-watches/lapel-pins.html); Rainbow Depot.com (https://www.rainbowdepot.com/buy-gay-lapel-pins.html); and Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/). Remember, all persons who agree to wear such a pin needs to receive appropriate training on how best to be an ally to LGBTQ patients and their families.
Brochures and Posters
The LGBT HealthLink is a national organization devoted to health equity for LGBTQ people. This organization has many downloadable materials available on its website. Posters include infographics and campaigns against tobacco use and showing a welcoming space for LGBTQ patients (see an example of poster image below). Brochures include cancer screening for specific LGBTQ subgroups. The web address is https://www.lgbthealthlink.org/.
Restroom Signs and Examples
While manufacturing is still catching up to the demands of gender-free signage, there are a few places that you can locate and purchase signs for restrooms to reflect an inclusive policy regarding restroom access. The ideal sign simply shows a toilet, a universal symbol of a restroom, even without words. This signage is preferable because it disconnects gender from the idea of restrooms—because restrooms are about using the toilet—not about gender.
The MyDoorSign.com is a commercial signage organization that is actively supportive of inclusive signs. Their website features the sign below, an image of a toilet with the words “All Gender Restroom.” The website also offers a customizable option that makes it possible to remove the words “All Gender” or use another phrase, such as “Toilet” (see example below). Signs with braille are also available through the website.
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Amazon.com offers options for signs to replace existing gendered signs. See a few options below. For example, there is a sign with an image of a toilet and the word “Restrooms.” Another option is to include male and female icons and the words “Restrooms,” although this image is less optimal because it reinforces the idea of binary gender.
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There are other custom sign building websites for customizing a sign that meets the specification of your space. For example, the one below was made with com using a freely available toilet symbol. Similar sites include Intersign Corporation, Custom Signs, Signs.com, and ADA Sign Factory.
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NOTE: Although the image of half female icon and half male icon is popular, it should be avoided to foster inclusiveness. The image can be seen as misrepresenting what transgender and gender-diverse people experience while reinforcing the idea of binary gender. |  |