LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Healthcare: A Conversation with Sarah Hillier
Dr. Sarah Hillier, a Registered Nutritionist and Senior Lecturer in Nutrition at BU, has joined The Dietitian Café Podcast for an insightful and timely conversation about creating more inclusive, person-centred care for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Sarah focuses her research on underrepresented populations in nutrition, health, and education. With a particular emphasis on structural barriers in healthcare—especially related to menopause, pregnancy, and reproductive health—she brings deep expertise and a passionate advocacy for equity and inclusivity.
As Chair of Bournemouth University’s PRIDE Network, Sarah also champions LGBTQ+ visibility in academia, making her the ideal guest for this episode, which explores how healthcare professionals can communicate more confidently and compassionately with LGBTQ+ clients and patients.
This episode dives into why inclusive language matters, how to overcome the fear of saying the wrong thing, and what meaningful, person-centred conversations actually look like in practice. Sarah also shares valuable perspectives on how gender identity, pronouns, and lived experience intersect with access to care—and why it’s critical to understand these concepts if we want to provide respectful, effective support.
This is a timely conversation, as we celebrate Pride Month, which happens every June. Pride serves as a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to celebrate diversity, raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights, and foster a sense of community and acceptance.
Sign-up to walk the Bourne Free Pride parade
Come and visit the BU stall in Meyrick Park on Friday 11 July and join BU with your family and friends as we walk the Bourne Free Pride parade on Saturday 12 July. Find out more!
