Re-Envisioning the Role of Student Health Centers in Offering LGBTQIA+ Friendly and Sex-Positive Services

Objective: Offering comprehensive lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA+) friendly and sex-positive student health centers are central to institutions of higher education being able to retain and support students. Positive sexual experiences for LGBTQIA + students can have an impact on academic success but many LGBTQIA+ students are discriminated against and are often victims of microaggressions. Participants: Twenty undergraduate students enrolled in a LGBTQIA+ health course. Methods: Students in an LGBTQIA+ Health undergraduate course at a private Northeastern university assessed what mattered most to them when it came to creating a sex-positive healthcare environment that promotes LGBTQIA+ inclusiveness and removes perceived barriers. Results: The themes included expanding mental health care, greater involvement of culturally-competent provider, establishing a stigma-free clinical environment, re-imagining the clinic waiting room, and facilitating sexual health advocacy. Conclusion: Re-envisioning the role of student health centers is critical for ensuring every student has a fair and just opportunity to achieve their full health potential.