Promoting equality and valuing diversity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans patients.

Equality and diversity lie at the heart of current UK health priorities. They are important subjects for everyone who works in the National Health Service (NHS). This is particularly the case for the GP, whose role is located at the interface between the NHS and the community he or she serves. The patient–doctor relationship is crucial to the health status and health care experiences of local people; a number of whom are likely to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (LGBT) people. To achieve the optimal outcomes from such encounters, the skilled GP understands the social context in which LGBT people live their lives, is knowledgeable about LGBT health concerns, is a skilled communicator with LGBT patients and has developed attitudes which value diversity. This article examines current evidence about the health needs of LGBT communities and identifies ways to support GPs to promote equality and value diversity for LGBT patients.