Getting LGBTQ+ the Healthcare They Need

Studies indicate LGBTQ+ individuals delay care at alarming rates, due in part to negative experiences with their healthcare providers. Most clinicians want to help; too often don’t have the training or tools to ensure a welcoming and affırming healthcare experience for LGBTQ+ patients and their families, and don’t have a basic understanding of LGBTQ+ health.

Providers can start with simple steps, such as displaying LGBTQ+-oriented media, like: photos of same-sex couples, in waiting rooms; ensuring intake forms and medical records include questions about sexual orientation and gender identity and options to designate a domestic partner; and asking clients what pronouns they use. These indicators can help patients begin to understand their providers are proactively on their side.

These efforts must be backed up with comprehensive training for providers and their staff. Clinicians must make the additional effort to undergo continuing education in healthcare concern, specifıcally impacting LGBTQ+ populations. These can include increased depression, suicidality, substance use, psychological distress, elevated stress hormone levels, and higher risk factors for certain forms of cancer and cardiovascular disease, often caused by societal discrimination.

LGBTQ+ patients can access GLMA’s “Top Ten Issues You Should Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider” fact sheets, identifying some of the most common health concerns for LGBTQ+ people. With providers still learning about these issues, the fact sheets help LGBTQ+ patients take charge of their own health with information they can share with their healthcare providers.

Together, LGBTQ+ individuals and the healthcare community can make a difference. Most importantly, by taking some simple steps and committing to learn and do more, providers can make significant strides to improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people. Our lives and health depend on it.