When completing intake forms for any number of human services, many people take for granted that there will be a line or box that will identify them accurately at doctors’ offices, schools, businesses, and community agencies. 

Most people fit somewhere between mother and father, married and single, African American or Caucasian. 

But, for those families who have two mothers or two fathers or a grandmother or uncle or individuals who have adopted, there is rarely a space to embrace their connection.

Take a moment and think about the place you work or the place your children go to school or daycare.  Think about the gym you go to in the mornings to work out or the pediatrician you visit when your child is sick.

Do these places embrace all families?  Many times, alienation of groups can be completely inadvertent, and most likely comes from intake forms and other materials being designed for the “mainstream” without a thought having been given to those individuals and families who may not be quite so mainstream.

Language that is inclusive of all groups receiving services, even if they are in the minority, can make the difference between individuals feeling welcomed at the place of business and their feeling defensive and uncomfortable even with services that are technically excellent.

In 2009, 62.5% of the Cortland Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual or Transgendered teens and adults that responded to a survey say that they feared judgment by their health care provider when sharing medical conditions or issues; they felt “marginalized” by lack of culturally applicable literature in the waiting room, or straight-oriented questions on intakes that left no room for people of their orientation.

Many admit that the way forms and paperwork are worded to include spaces for diverse individuals and families can make the difference in their seeking healthcare or not.  Such wording can make a significant difference in their providing their doctor, dentist, nurse practitioner or PA with all of the information necessary for the caregivers to do the best possible job.

The Cortland LGBT resource center has been working with many interested local healthcare providers and clinics to assist them in assuring that their sites are comfortable and welcoming to the diverse segments of the Cortland population.

Suggestions in materials from the Gay Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA )are raising awareness of reception staff as well as direct care providers. 

Appropriate inclusive language and culturally sensitive reading materials can go a long way toward opening the door for honest and meaningful conversations so that we understand and respect each other.

For more information about alternative families and LGBT needs, please contact the Cortland LGBT Resource Center at 607-756-8970 or visit the local office at 29 Central Avenue. 

The Resource Center can provide trainings, written materials and a variety of intake forms and applications to support Cortland’s diverse population.

Walker is the coordinator of the LGBT Resource Initiative