Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how leaders and top performers named by the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) work to achieve inclusiveness, such as reducing discrimination and improving healthcare access for LGBTQIA+ employees and patients in their healthcare clinics. Individuals in leadership positions and top performers within the HRC HEI were recruited and consented to individual video interviews lasting forty-five minutes using a semi-structured discussion guide. Then, a thematic analysis of responses was conducted using ATLAS.ti (24). Finally, a report of key findings was presented to the Austin-Travis County coalition of federally qualified health clinics (FQHCs), the study sponsors. Leaders and top performers named by the HRC HEI firmly believe that their work is important and that inclusion makes a difference in people’s lives. The participants work towards providing healthcare for all, regardless of someone’s gender identity, sexual identity, or health condition, and seek to be their medical home, serving all of their healthcare needs. These advocates work hard to ensure that facilities and all services are accessible and meet more needs of LGBTQIA+ people than ever before, growing their importance to their communities. If more leaders of clinics commit themselves to inclusiveness regarding LGBTQIA+ patients, with or without a national designation, health disparities in this country will be reduced, and LGBTQIA+ employees will feel a sense of belonging at work.