Sexual health disclosure in an affirming manner.
Sexual health disclosure in an affirming manner.
A clinician takes an identity-centered approach when speaking with a patient about their concerns.
Hey Aiden, it’s good to see you again. Your intake form says that you’ve been having some GI problems. Can you tell me more about your symptoms and anything else that is important for us to cover today?
Yea, uh. [appears stoic and looks at the floor, with an occasional glance at Dr. Mays]
I can see that it’s difficult for you to talk about this and I’m wondering why that might be. What can I do to make you feel more comfortable?
Man, I don’t know. This is just embarrassing for me to say out loud.
I can understand that. There are things that are hard for me to say out loud to my doctor, too. Sometimes it’s more comfortable for me to write it down. Would you like to try that?
Ok, I don’t know but I’ll try. [Dr. Mays leaves the room and Aiden writes on a pad of paper.]
I’m impressed that you wrote this down. Thank you for sharing all of this. What part of what you wrote is most important right now?
Since I started having sex with my boyfriend, I’ve been worried about some things and I feel like I don’t know enough, but I also know my mom is not ok with any of this.
That makes a lot of sense. You want to be safe and you’re also worried about your mom’s reaction. Can you tell me Aiden, what does your mom know about your sexual orientation?
Nothing as far as I know. She’s really religious and has told me before that being gay is wrong, so I’m terrified about what she would do if she found out.
I can understand why you are hesitant to disclose your sexual orientation to your mom. Your safety is important to me and I will do all that I can to keep you safe, both at home and with your sexual health.
Thanks. It feels bad lying to her but I just can’t imagine telling her right now.
When and how to disclose is a personal decision and I support your choices. Why don’t you tell me more about your relationship with your boyfriend and your sexual health concerns and we can make a plan together from there?
I can do that. Thanks, Doc.
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