The queering of medicine

I read this article with interest, and I wondered how common are my experiences in trying to be open to some of the issues brought forward. In my general practice, I too have my share of lesbigay (I really liked this novel term!) patients. I continue to try to be open, respectful and interested in alternate lifestyles, and sincerely avoiding any homophobic reactions. But truth be told, I grew up in a very conservative Roman Catholic environment, and likely because of this, recognize in myself an inherent discomfort when thus engaged with this population. I live in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver, BC, and thus in a community of openly gay interests. One cannot exhort, legislate or insist the issue of greater inclusive outlook needs to prevail. There is much work still required to bridge the unfortunate societal divide which is prevalent at many levels, not only in our profession. This is even more challenging with the attitude of a "chip on a shoulder", or oppositional "in your face" that I often note, particularly amongst the male gays. This surely must be the consequence of the history involved in getting to where we presently are, with some progress accomplished after years of struggle for acceptance. My opinion is that we must continue to work within each of ourselves to nurture "the love one person feels for another." Love insists we respect the dignity we all have, and that we can only hope to achieve this by being more open and willing to talk to each other of our spiritual needs and interests. Thus, I encourage the reading of the Left Atrium section of the CMAJ, and hope for more similar avenues within the profession.

Conflict of Interest:

None declared