Health of Sexual and Gender Diverse Individuals and Populations Across the Lifespan

Catalog description

Grounded in a nursing perspective that employs a dual strengths-based and health equity lens, we will examine how gender and sexuality, as socially constructed power relations that operate in the individual, interpersonal, community and institutional levels, influence the health outcomes of individuals as well as at the population level. Rooted in a social justice approach, this course explores the interplay between gender, sexuality, and health - within the U.S. and international context and in relation to other axes, including social inequality, class and race. We will examine lifespan development and the milestones associated with each stage as it applies for sexual and gender diverse individuals. Throughout the semester, class participants will use critical thinking skills to examine ecological factors that influence sexual and gender diverse individuals' health alongside other intersecting facets of identity including race, ethnicity, age, ability/disability, mental and physical health, and other factors that affect individual development and consequent population outcomes. Finally, this course requires an openness and appreciation of a range of perspectives that will enable students to explore and develop a nursing mindset attuned to the unique concerns and health needs of sexual and gender diverse individuals, both in acute care and community health settings.