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Today, we’re talking about how dietitians and other healthcare professionals can feel more confident and capable when having inclusive, person-centred conversations with LGBTQ+ individuals.
While awareness of diversity and inclusion has grown in recent years, many professionals still feel unsure about the language to use, how to avoid saying the wrong thing, or how to create a truly welcoming environment. This episode is all about supporting those professionals to move past fear and uncertainty and towards more open, respectful, and informed conversations.
We’ll explore why language matters, what inclusive communication looks like in practice, and how understanding concepts like gender identity, pronouns, and lived experience can help us meet people where they are.
And we’ll look at the bigger picture, too: how education, structural barriers, and generational experiences shape the way people access and engage with healthcare today.
Joining me for this conversation is Dr. Sarah Hillier, a Registered Nutritionist and Senior Lecturer in Nutrition at Bournemouth University. Sarah’s research explores the intersections of minority and
underrepresented populations in nutrition, health, and higher education. Her work focuses on structural barriers to healthcare, nutrition, and education, with a particular emphasis on menopause, pregnancy, and reproductive health.
Beyond her research, Sarah is a strong advocate for inclusivity, serving as Chair of the Bournemouth University PRIDE Network, where she works to promote LGBTQ+ visibility within academia.
Show Notes
Dr Sarah Hillier (she/her)
LinkedIn: Dr Sarah Hillier
Instagram: @DrSarahHillIer
Bournemouth University
Instagram: @NutritionBU / @bournemouthuni
LinkedIn: Bournemouth University
Facebook: @JoinBournemouthUni
X: @bournemouthuni
Stonewall
Bournemouth University
Research Papers and Charity Links
Support Services
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