Competency 7: A competent mental health worker acknowledges the different
cultures of Aotearoa/NZ and knows how to provide a service in partnership with
them.
7.6
They demonstrate awareness of lesbian culture(s) and appropriate action to
support lesbians.
For example they demonstrate:
a)
understanding of diversity within lesbian culture(s)
b)
knowledge of lesbian issues and concerns about mental wellness/illness
c)
ability to identify discriminatory attitudes and behaviours towards lesbians and to
respond appropriately
d)
understanding of the ways in which discrimination affects emotions and
behaviour
e)
knowledge of lesbian community resources and supports and the confidence and
ability to promote and tap into these as needed
f)
ability to convey and support lesbian recognition and inclusion within nonprofessional and professional groups in mental health services
g)
ability to promote and maintain a safe and discrimination free environment for
lesbians working in and using mental health services
Resources for 7.6
Lapsley, H. (1998). Mental health issues for lesbians. In S.E. Romans (Ed), Folding back the shadows: A
perspective on women’s mental health, (pp 137-145) Dunedin, University of Otago Press.
McEvoy, S. (2000). Caring for lesbian women Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand. Vol. 6, no.2 March, pp 2425.
Markowe, L. (1996) Redefining the self: Coming out as a lesbian, Cambridge, U.K, Polity press.
Oliver, L. (1996). Lesbian health: What’s the difference? Paper presented at health and difference: First
national lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual conference, Australian Center for Lesbian and Gay
Research, University of Sydney pp 143-146.
Richardson, F. (2000, June). Sexuality is important in nursing care (Letter to the editor) Kai Tiaki Nursing
New Zealand, Vol.6, no.5, pp3-4.
Saphira, M & Glover, M. (1998/99). National lesbian health survey. Ponsonby, Auckland, Papers Inc.
Stevens, P. (1993) Lesbian health care research: A review of the literature from 1970 to 1990 PP 1-30, In P.
Stern (Ed) Research on lesbian health, U.S.A Taylor and Francis.
Smith, G.B. (1993). Homophobia and attitudes toward gay men and lesbians by psychiatric nurses.
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, Vol.V11, no.6 (December) pp. 377-384.
Sommerville, C. (2000, June). Lesbians and gays have a right to safe places (Letter to the editor) Kai Tiaki
Nursing New Zealand, Vol.6, no, p.3.
Tame, B. (2000, April). Article causes nurses to ‘fall about laughing’ (Letter to the editor) Kai Tiaki
Nursing New Zealand, Vol.6, no.3, p.3.
Wadsworth, E. (2000, May). Give us the freedom to express our feelings, (Letter to the editor) Kai Tiaki
Nursing New Zealand, Vol.6, no.4, p.4.
Walsh, C.M.M. (1997). Negotiating difference in mental health nursing in New Zealand. In S.Tilley (Ed),
The mental health nurse: views of practice and education. pp. 172-185. London, Blackwell Science.
Whitman, J.S., Cormier, S & Boyd, C. J (2000). Lesbian identity management at various stages of the
coming out process: A qualitative study International Journal of Sexuality and Gender Studies, Vol.5, No.
I, pp 3-18.
These competencies were developed by Chris Walsh and Donna Donna.