The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) is committed to promoting the health and well-being of all youth, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender diverse, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, two-spirit, and asexual (LGBTQ +) by encouraging healthy physical, mental, and emotional development while reducing adolescent health risks.
Research has consistently shown that LGBTQ+ children and adolescents face disproportionately higher levels of isolation, runaway behavior, homelessness, intimate partner violence, depression, anxiety, suicide, substance abuse, pregnancy, physical and emotional abuse, and academic or job-related struggles when compared to their heterosexual, cisgender peers. However, these adverse outcomes are not inevitable. They can be significantly reduced through safe, supportive, and affirming environments provided by families, health care providers, caring adults, and safe spaces at school.
Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) and other pediatric-focused providers are uniquely positioned to address the specific needs of LGBTQ+ youth. By encouraging family support and creating an inclusive, affirming care environment, PNPs can help mitigate the harmful effects of stigma and discrimination, ultimately empowering LGBTQ+ individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.
“NAPNAP is dedicated to equipping our members with the knowledge, training and experience to provide anticipatory guidance to LGBTQ+ youth and their families, ensuring that they receive the care, support, and understanding they deserve,” said NAPNAP President Daniel Crawford, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC, CNE, FAANP.
In an ongoing commitment to support LGBTQ+ youth, NAPNAP has developed a series of recommendations aimed at helping providers advocate for and effectively care for the population. These recommendations include clinical practice, policy and advocacy and are designed to guide providers in creating supportive, inclusive, and affirming environments. Critical recommendations for clinical practice include providing individualized, culturally responsive care that promotes health and reduces risks, ensuring confidentiality around sexual and gender identity in accordance with laws and ethics, and incorporating gender-neutral language and inclusive questions starting in early childhood. For health policy and advocacy, NAPNAP strongly advocates for the expansion of inclusive health services, opposes reparative or conversion therapy, and stands against policies that isolate or victimize LGBTQ+ youth. NAPNAP also calls for greater research, policy development and advocacy efforts to ensure that youth, parents, and providers have access to affirming medical treatments and informed decision-making.
The position statement is published in the November/December edition of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner’s Journal of Pediatric Health Care and can be accessed here.
Dec. 5, 2024
