More information on disparities that may be encountered in the LGBTQ+ community can be found at the following resources:

• American Cancer Society (ACS) – LGBTQ+ cancer disparities.
• Cancer Net – Barriers of care among LGBTQ+ people with cancer.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Health disparities among LGBTQ+ youth.
• Cigna Healthcare – LGBT health disparities.
• National LGBT Cancer Network – LGBT cancer burden.

LGBTQ+ Experiences Accessing Healthcare

LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to report poor quality of care, lack of cultural competence, and unfair treatment by providers.⁵ Click on the videos below to view the experiences of some individuals in the healthcare system.

To receive the best healthcare possible, all patients need to be open and honest with their providers without fear of discrimination or bias. Though important for everyone, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it can be beneficial to:

• Ask your provider the right questions.
• Seek healthcare referrals from friends, family, or a trusted provider.
• Never feel that you must stick with a provider that makes you uncomfortable.
• Use resources like the ones below to find a welcoming practice and learn how to advocate for yourself.

• Gender Spectrum
• Healthy Children – Coming out information for parents of LGBTQ teens.
• LGBT Movement Advancement Project
• LGBTQ Family Acceptance Project
• PFLAG
• TransFamilies
• Trans Youth Equality Foundation