Halswellhealth is dedicated to being an inclusive and accepting general practice and workplace that embraces, supports and celebrates the diversity of sexual and gender identities. We want our takātapui and LGBTQIA+ patients to feel affirmed and supported when accessing our services.
Gender Affirmation and Transition Support
Sexual and gender identity is a key part of who we are as humans. Some people have always had a firm sense of their identity, and others may take more time to develop their identity. It’s also possible to have aspects of your identity shift as you move through your life.
Some people with diverse gender identities may choose to seek medical care to help affirm their gender (medical transition). Several of our doctors are able to provide gender-affirming medical treatment for adults over 18 and can also discuss options available for rangatahi (youth). There is mental health support available for those who are exploring their gender identity- please discuss this with your doctor if you think it would be helpful for you.
Gender Categories and Titles
We will ask for information about your presumed sex and your gender identity when you enrol with us. We can also update information such as preferred name or pronouns at any time if what we have listed no longer reflects your identity. You can ask to speak to a member of staff in private or send a portal message to have this changed. We understand the importance of this information and aim to ensure our records are accurate and reflective of your preferences as much as possible.
Medical computer systems aren’t always streamlined and they’re not the best at communicating with each other. It’s possible a previous name or gender might appear on a prescription or lab form, or in the hospital system in the future. We apologise if this happens and we can help you change your details on the nation-wide NHI system if you would like to- your doctor is the best person to speak to about this.
Gender-neutral Toilets
All our toilets are gender-neutral. These toilets are open for anyone to use.
General Health
As a practice, we acknowledge that the LGBTQIA+ population may face additional social, economic, and emotional barriers that discourage them from seeking healthcare services. We aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment that encourages open and honest communication at every stage of care.
Speaking to your healthcare providers about your sexual identity and sexual behaviours is the first step to ensuring we can help you get the healthcare that you need and deserve. Feeling comfortable and confident about our sexual and gender identity is crucial to good health and wellbeing. If you feel that your identity is not being affirmed and respected- please let us know. We welcome constructive feedback and ideas, as we are committed to getting this right for all our enrolled patients and their whānau.
LGBTQIA+ people have both general health needs and specific needs that relate to their identity (e.g. hormone therapy and gender affirming surgery). Some members of the LGBTQIA+ community may have an increased chance of contracting HIV and may benefit from taking PrEP (medication to reduce the chance of contracting HIV)- please discuss with your doctor if you think this would be helpful for you.
In general, health screening is related to which anatomy/body parts you have, rather than what your identity is:
Everyone who has ever been sexually active and has a cervix should have cervical screening from age 25
Everyone with breasts should consider breast screening from age 45 (earlier in some families affected by genetic breast cancer)
Everyone with a prostate should discuss prostate screening with their doctor from around age 50, although there is less evidence for prostate screening than for other types of cancer screening
Bowel screening is offered to adults with the current starting age being 58
Everyone’s screening and health needs are different. We strongly recommend you discuss with your doctors and nurses about what are the most appropriate and necessary tests for you.
Resources and Support Services for Rainbow/LGBTQIA+/Takatapui:
Some resources are available to explore issues around gender and sexual identity as well as support services.
0800 OUTLINE is a free phone line where all counsellors are from the rainbow community, and also provides some face to face counselling. You can also visit their website for more information.
Takatapui is a resource hub for takatāpui and whānau
Mana Tipua Is an Ōtautahi based group for Māori LGBTQIA+ young people
Gender Minorities Aotearoa provides resources for trans and gender diverse people, friends and whānau in Aotearoa
Be-there is a Site with resources for parents/whānau with rainbow rangatahi (broken link, found it here: https://www.be-there.nz/)
Q-topia is a social support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, takataapui, fa’afafine and all queer or questioning youth in the Canterbury region aged 14 – 25.
InsideOUT and RainbowYOUTH work with New Zealand’s queer and gender diverse youth to provide a safe and supportive environment.
Rainbow Networking Canterbury is about connecting businesses, professionals and individuals of the Christchurch LGBTQIA+ community – it has monthly gatherings
Rainbow NZ Charitable Trust offers tertiary scholarships and other support for the community
