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Introduction
Illustration of various colored stick people with various symbols for gender in various combinations surrounding them as well as drawn on their heads.
Figure 33.1 Providing patient-centered quality care requires the nurse to acknowledge that human sexuality has many variations. These symbols are all variations of symbols used by the LGBTQ+ community to demonstrate unity, pride, shared values, and allegiance to one another. (attribution: Copyright Rice University, OpenStax, under CC BY 4.0 license)

Chapter Outline

33.1 Sexual Identity
33.2 Sexual Fulfillment
33.3 Factors Affecting Sexuality
33.4 The Nurse’s Role in Providing Care

Introduction

What do sexuality and health care have to do with each other? Studies have shown that sexual minority groups (such as those who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual) have poorer health outcomes than heterosexual individuals (individuals who are sexually attracted to a person of a different gender or sex) (Tabaac et al., 2020). Unfortunately, there are a multitude of factors that contribute to less-than-optimal health outcomes in these underrepresented groups. A combination of factors including discrimination, lack of health insurance, limited healthcare access, and lower socioeconomic status affect these underrepresented groups in disproportionate ways (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.), leading to poor health outcomes and health disparities. Nurses are in a unique and powerful position to directly impact the health outcomes of at-risk populations by remaining knowledgeable about sexuality and providing care that is inclusive and respectful of all individuals.