Dr Mataroria Lyndon answers your health-related questions.
I’m rainbow, takatāpui, and Māori. What does culturally safe and queer-affirming healthcare look like at Tend? I have struggled to find both at the same practice before.
Culturally safe and queer-affirming care means you can show up as your full self, not just parts of it. For someone who is both Māori, takatāpui, and part of the rainbow community, that means your identity is understood as a whole, not something that gets simplified or overlooked.
At Tend, that looks like clinicians who respect your pronouns, don’t make assumptions, provide choice and options in your care, and understand the broader context, including the impacts of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, inequity, and lived experience.
It also means recognising the importance of whānau, connection, and the many dimensions of wellbeing. We have several GPs with an interest in hauora Māori and rainbow health, which helps ensure care is delivered in a way that meets your needs. You can filter by this interest on our website, tend.nz, on our ‘Clinicians’ page.
We’re also very aware of whakamā, that feeling of hesitation or discomfort that can come from past experiences where you haven’t felt safe or respected. It’s our responsibility to create an environment where that barrier is reduced, not reinforced.
In practice, it’s about listening properly, taking you seriously, and making sure you feel comfortable, respected, and involved in decisions about your care.
Download the Tend app or visit tend.nz
Got a health-related question for Dr Mataroria Lyndon to answer? Email: ask@gayexpress.co.nz or fill in the anonymous form below
