Every April in the U.S. is National Minority Health Month, a time to raise awareness for the disparities facing marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ population. Spectrum Medical Care Center, located in Phoenix, Arizona, recognizes the continued barriers facing our patients and reaffirms our commitment to providing inclusive, respectful, and affirming care for all in April and beyond!
Keep reading to learn about the unique challenges LGBTQ+ people encounter when accessing health services, and how you, as a patient, can confirm you’re getting the inclusive care you deserve.
Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Patients in Healthcare Settings
As a minority in the U.S., LGBTQ+ individuals encounter disproportionate obstacles when accessing medical care compared to the general population. These barriers include facing regular discrimination or bias, having providers who are not trained in LGBTQ+ health matters, or experiencing discomfort due to forms, procedures, or communications that are not inclusive to gender identity or sexual orientation. These issues lead to delayed care, untreated health conditions, preventable suffering, and a reluctance to seek medical help altogether. Such challenges are also compounded for Black, Indigenous, or POC individuals who are LGBTQ+, as they face unique barriers due to racial inequities.
LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience poor physical and mental health, including an increased incidence of mental health conditions, chronic illness, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are also more likely than cisgender people to self-report poor health, disability, and activity-limited days.
Here is a statistic snapshot of the LGBTQ+ health disparity:
- LGBTQ+ people are more likely to struggle with affording healthcare costs than heterosexual peers, and also more likely to live with chronic conditions and/or disabilities.
- A 2023 study found that only half of all LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. felt “very comfortable” asking their doctor questions about their health or treatment, compared to 67% for non-LGBTQ+ adults.
- The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health reports that the top barrier for patients seeking gender-affirming care was a fear of stigma or discrimination (64.3%), followed by distrust in the healthcare system and its professionals (46.0%).
- According to the Center for American Progress, more than one-third of transgender adults (37%) delayed or did not seek medical care due in 2024 to a fear of discrimination or experiencing disrespect by a healthcare provider.
Another common issue in the healthcare space is the use of forms that are not reflective of a person’s gender identity, use exclusively binary gender options, or confuse biological sex with gender. This can be invalidating or confusing to transgender or gender non-conforming patients. Providers using dead names (the former names that no longer reflect a person’s gender identity) can be hurtful and undermine trust in a healthcare professional.
Respecting Your Identity: What to Look for in an Inclusive Provider
When you’re LGBTQ+, it is crucial to ensure your healthcare provider is accepting and affirming of your identity and that you’re receiving quality, culturally competent care. Below are some key factors to consider when meeting with a healthcare professional:
- Inclusive Forms and Documentation: Providers’ intake forms should include options beyond male and female, such as a third gender option or space to list pronouns. These forms should ask about gender identity and the name you actively use, not just sex assigned at birth or the name you have on your legal documentation.
- Respecting Pronouns: A welcoming health provider will ask for your pronouns and use them consistently, changing documentation immediately upon your request to do so. At Spectrum Medical, we do not use the term “preferred” to describe your pronouns, as we see them as integral to your identity. We also will update your documentation or correct mistakes without stigma or judgment.
- Staff Training and Environment: An inclusive practice trains all staff on LGBTQ+ health issues and maintains a welcoming environment. Check for signs, literature, or posters that support LGBTQ+ visibility.
- Confidentiality and Respect: Your privacy matters, and you have the right to confidentiality. A respectful health provider will honor your privacy and protect the data you share in confidence, including avoiding dead names or misgendering you.
You Deserve Healthcare That Sees You
Studies confirm that when providers integrate LGBTQ+ inclusive policies into their care model, health outcomes for queer patients improve. During Minority Health Month and beyond, you deserve a patient experience that reflects your identity and whole-person health. It’s your wellbeing, so feel empowered to ask your provider about inclusivity policies, genderization of form language, staff training, and anything else you feel you should know before receiving treatment.
At Spectrum Medical in Phoenix, we are committed to providing inclusive care that respects every part of your identity. Our offerings are all tailored to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ patients, including our primary care services, gender-affirming care, AAHIVM-certified HIV treatment and care, sexual health, and more. With staff trained in the front-edge of inclusive healthcare policy, we are always considering how we can create a safe environment that welcomes and validates you, so you can feel comfortable talking about anything related to your health. Because we’re here to listen, never to judge.
Become a Patient at Spectrum Medical
National Minority Health Month is a reminder of the ongoing work needed to improve healthcare access and quality for LGBTQ+ communities. By choosing a provider who values inclusivity and respects your identity, you can achieve better health outcomes and a more positive healthcare experience. If you’re in Phoenix, Arizona, and seeking an LGBTQ+ affirming provider, contact us today to learn more about our services and commitment to inclusive healthcare.