Finding LGBTQIA+ Ally Doctors: A Comprehensive Guide

Guide for Locating LGBTQIA+ Ally Doctors: Key Points to Consider

In the quest for quality healthcare, it's essential to find a healthcare professional who is welcoming, understanding, and sensitive to the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Here are some potential green flags and red flags to look out for when choosing a healthcare professional.

A healthcare professional who discusses options with a person and works with them to decide on a treatment plan, who listens to and acknowledges a person's specific health concerns, and who does not make assumptions that presume a person is heterosexual and cisgender, are all potential green flags. On the other hand, a healthcare professional who makes assumptions about a person's gender identity or sexual orientation, who dismisses a person's health concerns, or who misgenders a person, are potential red flags.

To determine if a healthcare professional is welcoming to LGBTQIA+ people, asking questions such as if a facility provides all-gender bathrooms, if they regularly treat LGBTQIA+ people, and if they have experience treating people with the same gender identity/sexual orientation as the person may be helpful. Positive reviews from LGBTQIA+ people about a healthcare professional are also a potential green flag.

In larger healthcare settings, requesting a patient liaison can provide support and options to move forward. Self-advocacy may involve calling ahead, bringing a friend, correcting the healthcare professional, asking for concerns to be recorded, and leaving if it is safe to do so. Learning how to advocate for oneself can be beneficial, especially if a person cannot find an LGBTQIA+-friendly healthcare professional.

A healthcare professional who is openly hostile toward a person is a potential red flag. A healthcare professional who has worked with other LGBTQIA+ people and is well informed about health issues specific to these populations is a potential green flag. A healthcare professional who provides forms that offer gender-neutral language or options, and whose office provides easily accessible all-gender bathrooms, are also potential green flags.

It's important to note that there is a gap in U.S. medical education regarding LGBTQIA+-specific health issues. This leads to inadequate healthcare for LGBTQIA+ individuals, including poorer health outcomes, higher rates of discrimination in medical settings, and reduced access to culturally competent care. Therefore, it's crucial to be proactive in finding an LGBTQIA+-friendly healthcare professional.

Finding an LGBTQIA+-friendly doctor can involve asking other LGBTQIA+ people for recommendations, researching potential doctors and healthcare facilities online, contacting local clinics and LGBTQIA+ centers for information, and using online directories and resources. Visiting a healthcare professional's website may help a person determine if they are welcoming to LGBTQIA+ people. Viewing an intake form before an appointment may reveal potential red flags, such as forms that offer only "male" and "female" sex options.

In conclusion, finding an LGBTQIA+-friendly healthcare professional is essential for quality care and a positive healthcare experience. By asking the right questions, researching potential healthcare providers, and advocating for oneself, patients can find a healthcare professional who respects and understands their unique needs. Empowerment lies in taking control of one's healthcare journey and finding a healthcare professional who will be a partner in maintaining and improving health.