Everyone needs healthcare. Everyone gets sick and is vulnerable to illnesses or diseases, and everyone needs regular check-ups. Regardless of gender or sexual orientation, healthcare is essential for us all.
Discrimination in healthcare settings can endanger the lives of the LGBTQ+ community who don’t have access to or are denied adequate healthcare. The Affordable Care Act prevented healthcare providers and insurance companies from refusing someone healthcare based on discrimination. But, policymakers continue to add changes to this.
You never want to be in a situation where your relationship while being HIV+ is an excuse for your doctor to refuse you HIV medication. Trans men and women should not have their mental health issues ignored or routine medical care denied due to personal biases of providers. If things do not change regarding healthcare within the LGBTQ+ community, large portions of our communities will continue to be too exhausted, afraid, or at risk to seek treatment, or worse; entirely denied care.
Here is how discrimination affects the LGBTQ+ communities.
LGBTQ+ Discrimination at Doctor’s Offices
LGBTQ+ people consistently report experiencing harassment and humiliation by providers. The same happens when hospitals, pharmacists, and doctors turn them away.
According to a 2017 CAP survey found in American Progress, 8% were refused to be seen by a doctor or healthcare provider due to their sexuality. 9% also said that a doctor or healthcare provider used harsh or abusive language when treating them. 7% even experienced sexual assault from a doctor or healthcare provider.
The transgender community is also suffering from this discrimination. 29% were refused to be seen by a doctor or healthcare provider, and 23% were intentionally misgendered or used the wrong name.
Discouraging Treatment for LGBTQ+ Communities
If people in the LGBTQ+ communities continue facing discrimination, we are not going to want to seek help. We could have a serious medical condition but avoid a doctor’s visit to avoid rejection and humiliation. Why would you go through that if you do not have to?
A year before the survey, 8% of LGBTQ+ people and 14% of those who experienced discrimination avoided or postponed medical assistance. 22% of transgender people also reported avoidance. No one should have to be afraid of going to the doctors for fear of receiving no treatment. A person’s sexuality should not affect a person’s quality of care.
Queer and Trans Mental Health at Risk
People in the LGBTQ+ communities face a number of tragedies just for being who we are. We experience biases in our family, religious community, school, and work. LGBTQ+ people are likely to be bullied in school, where we may suffer from anxiety and depression as a result.
It can also be an issue when you share your identity with your family and friends, but they do not accept you. If people face rejection by their family, especially in terms of queer and trans youth, they could end up in foster care or homeless. With access to affirming mental health treatment, people in the LGBTQ+ communities can find ways to get through the struggles and know that everyone will eventually be okay.
The Need for Queer and Trans Inclusion in Healthcare Discussions
Everyone wants to feel accepted in all walks of life. People of all sexual identities and orientations have existed long before labels. You should not have to feel the need to hide who you are all so you can get the same medical care that your peers get.
In order to serve all people, healthcare professionals and researchers need to learn the facts that everyone deserves the same treatment. Have a real understanding not just of different sexual orientations and identities but of their shared experiences. Homophobia and transphobia will only lead to more physical and mental health issues that cannot be ignored.
You do not have to go through this alone. We offer a number of services that benefit everyone, including the LGBTQ+ communities. We make a promise to you that you will not have to face discrimination. Get the help you need now by scheduling your first appointment and requesting a consultation below.
Read more about Trans and Nonbinary Affirming Therapy here.