Facilitating Cultural Humility and Competence Through Personal and Professional Experiences

Diversity and inclusion are essential aspects of creating a welcoming and supportive environment in both personal and professional settings. By fostering cultural humility and competence, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences, leading to more inclusive practices. In this essay, I will discuss how reading the article “Diversity and Discrimination in Healthcare” and viewing the videos “Ask Me: What LGBTQ Students Want their Professors to Know” and “LGBTIQ+ People Talk About their Experiences Accessing Health Care” have influenced my perspectives on diversity and inclusion.

Diversity and Discrimination in Healthcare
Reading the article on diversity and discrimination in healthcare provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing quality healthcare. The article highlighted the disparities in healthcare outcomes based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. It underscored the importance of recognizing and addressing systemic discrimination and bias in healthcare settings to ensure equitable care for all patients. This article deepened my understanding of the intersectionality of identity and healthcare outcomes, prompting me to reflect on ways to promote inclusivity and cultural competence in healthcare delivery.

“Ask Me”: What LGBTQ Students Want their Professors to Know
Watching the video where LGBTQ students shared their perspectives on what they want their professors to know was a powerful experience. The video shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ students in academic settings, including issues of misgendering, lack of representation, and discrimination. Hearing directly from LGBTQ individuals about their experiences and needs highlighted the importance of creating inclusive and affirming learning environments. This video reinforced the significance of fostering cultural humility and sensitivity towards diverse identities to promote a sense of belonging and support for LGBTQ students.

“LGBTIQ+ People Talk About their Experiences Accessing Health Care”
Viewing the video where LGBTIQ+ individuals shared their experiences accessing healthcare was eye-opening. The video revealed the barriers and discrimination faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals when seeking healthcare services, including lack of understanding from healthcare providers, stigma, and limited access to inclusive care. Hearing firsthand accounts of these experiences emphasized the urgent need for healthcare providers to cultivate cultural competence and provide affirming care for all patients, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This video reinforced the importance of advocacy for inclusive healthcare practices that prioritize the well-being of all individuals.

In conclusion, engaging with diverse perspectives through readings and videos has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of diversity and inclusion topics. These experiences have underscored the significance of cultural humility and competence in creating supportive environments that value and respect individuals from all backgrounds. By incorporating these insights into personal and professional practices, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society where diversity is celebrated and embraced.