Coming out to your healthcare provider
Being open with your healthcare provider about your sexual orientation and gender identity is important in order to receive the best possible care. But many LGBTQ people are hesitant to share these aspects of themselves with their providers.
Some tips and resources on this important step are:
Tell your doctor that you know how important open communication with a health care provider is. Say something like, "It's important that you know I am a lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender person. Is there anything else relevant to my healthcare and my sexual orientation/gender identity that we should talk about?"
Why does it matter?
Research suggests LGBTQ individuals suffer from health disparities at greater rates than most of the general population due to their literal experience or fear of being discriminated against or stigmatized by healthcare providers. As lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those who are questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, we face unique health challenges. The only way our providers can give us the best care possible is if they are aware of issues impacting us that range from coming out to the desire to raise a family.
