#Japan #LGBTQ+ healthcare #Shinjuku #HIV Education #Consent Project

Introduction

In an effort to create a safer healthcare environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, Place Tokyo, a certified NPO based in Shinjuku, has launched a new educational video series titled "Basic Knowledge of LGBTQ+ and HIV for Daily Medical Practice and Support". This collection of learning resources aims to help healthcare professionals and support workers become more informed and confident when interacting with LGBTQ+ patients. The video series will remain available for free until the end of December 2025.

Content Overview

The series comprises ten videos, each ranging from 20 to 25 minutes in length. The topics covered include fundamental medical knowledge, current issues faced in healthcare settings, perspectives from LGBTQ+ individuals, and insights into legal and human rights matters. Various experts, including clinical practitioners, psychologists, occupational therapists, lawyers, and both LGBTQ+ individuals and HIV-positive persons, will shed light on each subject, presenting a diverse range of views aimed at educating and empowering viewers.

For example, the videos will address specific healthcare improvements that can be implemented in general medical institutions, such as how to adequately handle medical forms to ensure LGBTQ+ patients feel comfortable disclosing their gender identity and sexual orientation. Additionally, these videos will cover critical scenarios like how same-sex partners can navigate hospital visits during a family member’s hospitalization.

Importance of Inclusive Healthcare

It’s crucial for healthcare institutions to be places that everyone can access without fear or anxiety. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers in Japan operate under misconceptions that can alienate LGBTQ+ patients. This often results in situations where individuals avoid seeking out necessary medical care due to the risk of outing (having their identity disclosed without consent) or miscommunication on medical intake forms.

The video series aims to address these challenges by providing concrete examples of how practices can be improved in healthcare settings, fostering an environment that welcomes and supports LGBTQ+ individuals. The initiative emphasizes that although the legal and policy framework in Japan still needs improvement, a shift in on-ground practices can significantly improve healthcare accessibility.

Video Release Details

• - Program Name: Basic Knowledge of LGBTQ+ and HIV for Daily Medical Practice and Support
• - Format: 10 videos, approximately 20-25 minutes each
• - Distribution Period: Available until the end of December 2025
• - Target Audience: Exclusively for healthcare professionals and support workers, including medical students
• - Official Website: View Here

The project is backed by the MSD Global NGO Support Program, "Solutions for Healthy Communities," showcasing the collective effort to enhance educational outreach for healthcare providers dealing with LGBTQ+ patients.

Program Contributors

The series features contributions from notable professionals in the field:
1. Eriko Yoshida - Basic knowledge on LGBTQ+ and SOGI
2. Yusuke Kanekubo - Challenges regarding healthcare access for LGBTQ+
3. Makoto Ikebukuro - Insights on gender-affirming care
4. Takashi Muramatsu - HIV care from a clinical perspective
5. Takeshi Matsumoto - Psychological health for LGBTQ+
6. Hiroko Kin - Strategies for improving healthcare access
7. Yuko Takeda - Organizational initiatives concerning SOGI in healthcare
8. Ai Mori - The legal perspective on LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare
9. Panel Discussion - Members of the LGBTQ+ community share personal experiences
10. Discussion with HIV-Positive Individuals - Highlighting their challenges in healthcare settings

This series strives to create a more inclusive healthcare landscape that recognizes the specific needs and rights of LGBTQ+ patients. By undertaking these educational initiatives, Place Tokyo hopes to be a catalyst for change in how healthcare is delivered across Japan.

Contact Information

For more details, interested parties can reach out to:

• - Place Tokyo NPO
• - Contact Person: Tsugumi Ikushima
• - Phone Number: 03-3361-8964 (Available Monday to Friday, 12 PM - 7 PM, except on Wednesdays and holidays)
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Inquiry Form: Here

Through consistent efforts and educational outreach, the initiative seeks to ensure that no one feels excluded or marginalized when accessing healthcare services.