title: Speech-Language Pathologists' Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Populations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The cultures and service needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) minority groups are relevant to speech-language pathologists (SLPs). In particular, transgender individuals seeking communication services from SLPs in order to improve quality of life require culturally and clinically competent clinicians. Knowledge and attitudes regarding a population are foundational stages toward cultural competency (Turner, Wilson, & Shirah, 2006). The purpose of this research is to assess LGBTQ knowledge and attitudes among aspiring and practicing SLPs.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online survey was completed by 279 SLPs from 4 countries.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean accuracy scores on LGBTQ culture questions were near 50%. Self-ratings indicated more comfort than knowledge, with generally positive feelings toward LGBTQ subgroups. Transgender communication is within SLPs' scope of practice, yet 47% indicated such services were not addressed in their master's curriculum, and 51% did not know how to describe transgender communication therapy. When respondents were asked to indicate priority of 10 LGBTQ topics for a continuing education seminar, communication masculinization/feminization best practice and case examples had the highest mean priority scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a need to promote LGBTQ cultural competence within speech-language pathology. This study provides direction for improving LGBTQ cultural competence among SLPs.
authors: Adrienne
authors: A
authors: Hancock
authors: Gregory
authors: G
authors: Haskin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D057829:Gender-Affirming Procedures; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D063106:Transgender Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D014833:Voice Quality