As lesbians, we have the right to quality health care that meets our needs - as we define them - and recognises how we experience health. There are lots of different ways we can and do look after ourselves - through what we've learned, through our support networks, by chatting with other people such as family, friends and partners, and by consulting health care providers.
Taking an active role in looking after our health can help us make more informed choices and lead us to better health outcomes.
Accessing health services can be difficult for lesbians, for a number of reasons, such as:
* Feeling unsure about "coming out" to health care providers
* Fear of discrimination and assumptions about our sexuality, behaviours and needs
* Concerns about the level of knowledge and understanding of lesbian health issues
* Concerns about lack of confidentiality
* Feeling confused about sexuality
* Conflict between different parts of ourselves - such as sexual, cultural and religious identities
* Geographical, social or cultural isolation
Past experiences of discrimination, homophobia or feeling invisible as a lesbian can mean that we might not seek information, treatment or assistance when we need it. Or it might be that we walk away with information that's not quite what we were looking for.
Some tips to help you open the window on lesbian health
It's important to feel comfortable taking an active role in making decisions about your health and wellbeing. Often, we need the input of different people to address specific issues we might be facing. Health care providers have specialised knowledge and can offer support and ideas on a range of options to restore or work towards better health.
Remember:
* To recognise that your participation and experience is valuable in making the best decisions for you
* To spend some time developing rapport and trust with your health care providers so that you feel comfortable
* Discussing your options and making decisions to ask questions. If there's something you don't understand when you're at an appointment, or something you want more information about, ask questions that will help You feel clearer. It may be about a test or procedure, side effects, medication, a body part, or a word you don't understand.
* To ask about all the options available to you in your particular situation. Don't feel pressured to make decisions quickly - take your time. Collect information from various sources such as from other people, other services, reliable websites or brochures.
* To explain any financial limitations, and religious or cultural beliefs that are important in how your decisions are made.
* If it's hard to ask questions at the time, write down some notes for yourself and find the information you need after your appointment. This is not always easy, especially when there are communication or language barriers, cultural issues or decisions to be made quickly.
* If it's difficult to translate your questions from your first language, you could ask someone to come with you to help you, or contact the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) for assistance, 13 14 50.
* To take the responsibility to give health care providers information that might be relevant to your care. Let them know if you're taking prescription medication or over the counter medicine, traditional herbal medicine, using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs, or if you're seeing other health care providers.
* Once you have information and support, and you've considered all the options, take action and follow through. Looking after your health and wellbeing is important!