LGBTQ+ Experiences in Healthcare

By Sassafras Lowrey

Healthcare is a human right, and LGBTQ+ people should have the same access to healthcare as cisgender and heterosexual people. However, this isn’t always the case. It’s not uncommon for LGBTQ+ people to experience health care disparities, meaning that marginalized communities like LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience chronic conditions, illnesses and may have challenges accessing appropriate healthcare. This is a public health issue because when a community struggles to access appropriate healthcare, they are at a higher risk of physical and mental health conditions. A new study looking at healthcare experiences has shown that our community often experiences mistreatment in healthcare settings.

Mistreatment In Healthcare

Have you struggled to access healthcare or been mistreated in the medical setting? If so, unfortunately, you’re not alone. A new study has found that LGBTQ+ adults experience discrimination in their daily life, including in healthcare settings, more than heterosexual and cisgender adults. According to the study, 65% of LGBTQ+ adults said that they experienced discrimination a few times in the last year and are twice as likely as cisgender/heterosexual peers to have a negative experience while accessing healthcare. The study found that LGBTQ+ people who had negative experiences in a healthcare setting were 24% more likely to have their health get worse after this experience. The study also found that six in ten LGBTQ+ people say they prepare for a healthcare appointment by being more aware of their appearance and are prepared to experience inappropriate comments from healthcare staff or providers.

Notably, not all LGBTQ+ people experience mistreatment in healthcare settings to the same degree. LGBTQ+ women were also more likely to experience mistreatment from healthcare providers. Similarly, younger LGBTQ+ adults who are between the ages of 18 and 29 were more likely to experience mistreatment in healthcare settings. Within this age population, eight in ten people said they had faced discrimination from healthcare providers. Socioeconomic class also plays a part in how people access care and LGBTQ+ adults with household incomes below $40,000 were less likely to be treated respectfully by providers. It’s especially important to note that the study found that Black LGBTQ+ adults and Hispanic LGBTQ+ adults were most likely to experience discrimination in their daily life. Specifically, the results of the study showed that Black and Hispanic LGBTQ+ people were more likely than their cisgender/heterosexual peers to report experiencing discrimination because of their race or ethnicity.

Bring An Advocate

If you have had a negative experience trying to access healthcare in the past, or you are nervous you might be mistreated by a doctor it’s always a good idea to bring a supportive friend or family member with you. The person you bring can function as an advocate for you. This can be especially helpful if you are nervous about the appointment. Your friend can help you to remember any healthcare concerns you want to be sure to discuss with your doctor. They can also help you to self-advocate if your doctor isn’t respecting your pronouns or is speaking disrespectfully to you or making you feel uncomfortable. Your friend/advocate can also help you talk about your identity, relationships, or any other aspects of your queer life you might be nervous about bringing up to your doctor.

Finding Culturally Competent Providers

Unfortunately, as this new study found, LGBTQ+ people frequently experience discrimination in their daily life, including while accessing healthcare. However, this doesn’t have to be your experience and it is possible to find LGBTQ+ culturally competent healthcare providers. Nobody should have to fear being mistreated or not listened to at the doctor. If you aren’t being respected by your doctor, it’s ok to stop going to that clinic, and find a different and more culturally competent doctor. If you’re looking for a new doctor it’s useful to ask your LGBTQ+ friends who their doctors, dentists, and other healthcare providers are and if they feel safe and respected by those providers. If people in your life don’t have any good referrals for you, you can also check with LGBTQ+ community centers and local organizations. These groups should have a referral list of LGBTQ+ culturally competent and affirming providers in your local area.

Your Health Matters

Seeing studies like this about mistreatment can be frightening and overwhelming, especially if you are already nervous about going to the doctor. But it’s important to remember this won’t be every healthcare setting or interaction. With some research you can find healthcare providers who are respectful and excited to provide care to people in the community. Finding the right doctor isn’t always easy but it’s important to know that you deserve to be treated well by healthcare professionals. At the end of the day your health is so important, and you deserve to be treated with respect by your doctors. If your doctor does anything that makes you uncomfortable you don’t have to continue the appointment. If your doctor, or the clinic staff is making you uncomfortable speak up for your rights or ask your friend/advocate to help you to advocate for yourself. Explain why what they are doing or saying is inappropriate. Some doctors simply don’t know and may use outdated terms but will be open to changing their language when they are told for example what someone’s pronouns are. On the other hand, some providers are homophobic/transphobic and aren’t a good fit for LGBTQ+ patients. Finding a healthcare provider who is culturally competent for working with the LGBTQ+ community can take some time, but it’s worth it. When you trust your healthcare provider, you’re more likely to seek out medical care earlier which can improve your overall health.

About the Author

Sassafras Lowrey’s novels and nonfiction books have been honored by organizations ranging from the American Library Association to the Lambda Literary Foundation and the Dog Writers Association of America. Sassafras’ work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, and numerous other newspapers and magazines. Sassafras has taught queer writing courses and workshops at LitReactor, the NYC Center For Fiction and at colleges, conferences, and LGBTQ youth centers across the country. You can find more of Sassafras’ written works, including an edited collection exploring LGBTQ+ youth homelessness entitled Kicked Out, at www.SassafrasLowrey.com.