This blog post is part of a series recognizing National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week on March 17-21, 2025. THMS believes “everybody deserves a healthy body,” and we offer professional development and training in support of providers to accomplish this.
Healthcare providers enter their field with a shared mission: to help, heal, and support every person who walks through their doors. Yet for many LGBTQ+ individuals, seeking medical or mental health care comes with anxiety—not just about their symptoms, but about how they will be treated.
This isn’t necessarily because a provider has been overtly discriminatory. Rather, it’s the result of a long history of medical mistreatment, bias, and exclusion that has left many LGBTQ+ patients feeling unsafe in healthcare settings.
All providers should be intentional to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals. Cis-het providers and those who identify as LGBTQ+ may not recognize their personal biases that may stand in the way of affirming care.So, what can you do? How can you move beyond general acceptance and create a space where LGBTQ+ individuals feel truly affirmed and cared for?
Acknowledge the Fear—Even If You Haven’t Been the Cause
Imagine you’re about to see a new doctor, but before you even step into the room, you’re already on edge—unsure if your identity will affect the care you receive. This is the reality for many LGBTQ+ individuals.
Studies show that nearly 50% of LGBTQ+ people have faced discrimination in healthcare (KFF, 2022). Some have been denied care outright. Others have had their concerns dismissed or been treated differently once their sexual orientation or gender identity was known. Even those who have never had a bad personal experience know someone who has.
As a provider, you might think, “I would never discriminate,” and that may be true. But the fear doesn’t come from you—it comes from lived experiences and a broken system.
Instead of feeling defensive, recognize this reality and actively communicate that your space is safe—not just through words, but through action.
See the Whole Person—Not Just Their Orientation or Identity LGBTQ+ patients are often put in a double bind:
- Some providers hyper-focus on their sexual orientation or gender identity, assuming every health issue ties back to it.
- Others ignore it entirely, acting as though it’s irrelevant to care.
Both approaches miss the mark.
Sexual orientation and gender identity can impact health—whether it’s through increased mental health stress, higher risks for conditions like HIV, or the effects of gender-affirming treatments. But they don’t define the entire patient experience.
Affirming care means seeing LGBTQ+ individuals as whole people. It means asking thoughtful, inclusive questions while also recognizing that their identity may not always be the most relevant factor in their health concerns.
A good approach is to ask rather than assume:
- “Is there anything about your identity that you feel is important for me to know as your provider?”
- “Would you like to discuss how your relationships, identity, or experiences might be impacting your mental health?”
This allows patients to share what matters most—without forcing them into a conversation they aren’t comfortable with.
Assess Your Own Biases—We All Have Them
Bias isn’t just about overt discrimination. It’s often unconscious, shaped by societal norms, personal upbringing, and even medical training.
Take a moment to reflect:
- Do you feel more comfortable working with certain patients than others?
- Have you ever assumed a patient’s gender based on their appearance?
- Do you feel uncertain or hesitant when discussing LGBTQ+ issues in a healthcare setting? Self-awareness is the first step. If you’re unsure where to start, consider:
- Taking an implicit bias test (Harvard’s Project Implicit has a great one).
- Seeking out LGBTQ+ competency training (many medical organizations offer them). ● Practicing gender-neutral language in patient interactions (“partner” instead of “husband/wife” until a patient clarifies).
No one is perfect—but intentional, consistent effort makes a difference.
Healthcare Should Heal, Not Harm
LGBTQ+ individuals shouldn’t have to enter a doctor’s office or therapy session feeling like they have to defend or hide their identity. A truly affirming provider understands that creating a safe space requires more than good intentions—it requires awareness, action, and a commitment to ongoing learning.
Whether you’re a provider, an ally, or an LGBTQ+ person navigating the healthcare system, you have the power to make healthcare more inclusive, more respectful, and more effective for everyone. Let’s build a world where every patient—regardless of identity—feels seen, heard, and cared for. #LGBTQHealth #AffirmingCare #InclusiveHealthcare #HealthEquity