Queering Educational Practices in Dietetics Training: A Critical Review of LGBTQ Inclusion Strategies

Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
15 March 2018

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people (LGBTQ) have unique concerns regarding their nutritional health while experiencing disparities within the Canadian healthcare system. Dietetic training programs often do not provide adequate knowledge or skills to students to be competent in meeting the needs of this population. Drawing from literature from other health programs, this paper outlines key strategies to the integration of LGBTQ curriculum into dietetic training programs. LGBTQ training can help students gain cultural competencies, knowledge and understanding of the LGBTQ communities, and the nutritional concerns within them.

Résumé

Les personnes lesbiennes, gaies, bisexuelles, transgenres et queer (LGBTQ) ont des préoccupations uniques quant à leur santé nutritionnelle et font face à des inégalités au sein du système de soins de santé canadien. Les programmes de formation en diététique ne fournissent souvent pas aux étudiants les connaissances ni les compétences nécessaires pour répondre aux besoins de cette population. Puisant dans la littérature issue d’autres programmes en santé, cet article énonce les stratégies clés pour intégrer un curriculum LGBTQ aux programmes de formation en diététique. Une formation LGBTQ peut aider les étudiants à développer des compétences culturelles, des connaissances et une compréhension des communautés LGBTQ et des problèmes d’ordre nutritionnel auxquels elles font face.

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Financial support: On-going financial support for Phillip Joy was provided by Izaak Walton Killam Predoctoral Scholarship, Canadian Institutes of Health Research Doctoral Research Award, and the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation.
Conflicts of Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Information & Authors

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Published In

cover image Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Volume 79Number 2June 2018
Pages: 80 - 85

History

Version of record online: 15 March 2018

Authors

Affiliations

Phillip Joy PDt, MSc, PhD (c)
School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax NS
Matthew Numer PhD
School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax NS

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Cited by

1. “It Literally Can Save Lives”: How Challenging Structural Inequities in Sexual Orientation and Gender Priorities Can Create Change in the Canadian Dietetic Profession
2. Exploring the Experiences and the Nutritional Supports of LGBTQ+ Canadians during the COVID-19 Pandemic
3. RE: Inclusive Dietetic Practice

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