Barriers to quality health care for LGBT people

A recent article in American Medical News discusses the challenges LGBT individuals face in terms of access to health care physicians who understand their communities and make them feel comfortable in a medical setting.  LGBT people have experienced discrimination and harassment in health care settings, as well as denial of services.  In other cases, physicians may not have the knowledge required to address specific health concerns of LGBT communities.  These factors have deterred many LGBT people from accessing quality health care services and prevented them from receiving life-saving preventive care.

The article notes that a survey of 7,000 people by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in 2010 revealed that 28 percent of transgender and gender nonconforming people postponed medical care due to concerns about discrimination.  Another study showed that 1 in 5 LGBT adults withheld information regarding their sexual activity from their doctor.  These findings are troubling, given LGBT health disparities such as increased risk for HIV and STIs.

Planned Parenthood believes in removing these barriers and ensuring that LGBT people receive the quality health care they deserve in a compassionate, understanding environment.  Read the full article here.  To learn more about LGBT health, click here.

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