Placing sexuality in health policies: feminist geographies
and public health nursing |
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Authors: | Judith A MacDonnell Gavin J Andrews |
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Institution: | (1) Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Suite 215, M5T 1P8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
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Abstract: | Despite the increasing public profile of same-sex issues, health policies are often shaped by heteronormative assumptions.
The health concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual/transgender, two-spirit, intersex, queer and questioning (LGBTTTIQQ)
people are complex and require broadening from an often exclusively sexual health and risk focus to a more holistic approach.
In this context, this paper illustrates how a critical feminist geography of health, with its focus on the mutual construction
of gender relations, space and place, potentially enhances and extends current understandings of public health policy and
practice. Moreover, the use of a policy lens foregrounding gender and other power relations suggests that feminist research
and coalitions facilitate participatory processes that address “the politics of discourse.” In particular, public health nursing
practice can enhance the construction of spaces of resistance that challenge heteronormative discourse through research strategies
focused on sexual minority communities’ health experiences and their visions for supportive care. In this respect, two strategies
consistent with public health priorities to increase knowledge and participate in alliances are described. Ethnographic research
with childbearing lesbians demonstrates that attention to institutional dynamics that foster safe spaces can facilitate access
to public health services. Public health nurses’ involvement in community coalitions can enhance dissemination of community
knowledges. The implications for gender inclusive and place-sensitive public health nursing practice include the development
of sensitive educators, meaningful educational curriculum and related program planning, explicit policies, community partnerships
and political leadership in institutional and research venues. |
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Keywords: | Feminist geography Public health Lesbian Nursing Policy |
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