Many queer people have understood the need to be selective about who they reveal their gender identity and sexual orientation to. For many, it can be a matter of life and death with respect to protection against harm. For many who are LGBTQ+, their quality of life can be negatively impacted by others knowing that they may be homosexual, transgender, nonbinary or intersex. The decision to come out to others is very much an individual choice. Here’s why you should come out to your healthcare provider.

Facts Matter

Your sexual orientation and gender identity are facts. They are not opinions or creeds. Imagine going to see a dentist and not sharing the critical detail that you suffer from tooth sensitivity. The facts of your life are important to your healthcare providers, as they provide insight on the best care and appropriate form of medical treatment. Some medical offices, hospitals and clinics will ask you about your lifestyle as part of your patient information file. 

At this point, you may be wondering what your physician’s response might be to you sharing this information. Many providers view these details of your life as data and have normalized them in their conversations with patients. There are organizations that work with healthcare facilities to create environments that are welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQ+ patients. You deserve to have the best medical care available. Just as you might find a provider with a better bedside manner or in a more convenient location, you’re free to look for healthcare that is more LGBTQ+ friendly. 

Health Implications

Various groups under the LGBTQ+ umbrella experience certain issues at significantly higher rates than people outside those groups. Some common examples include the following:

• Depression, anxiety and other mental health issues
• Access to healthcare
• HIV/AIDS
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Alcoholism and narcotic addictions
• Cardiovascular problems, such as an increased risk of heart attack or stroke
• Certain cancers such as breast, testicular, gynecological, prostate and colon
• Hormone use and other methods to aid in gender presentation such as binding or surgery
• Obesity and poor fitness

When your provider has a more complete picture of who you are as a patient, better diagnoses, prescriptions and recommendations can be made that ultimately benefit your health and wellness.

It’s a Family Affair

It’s your right to include your partner, spouse or significant other in medical decisions. You should feel comfortable having this person accompany you to doctor’s visits, especially if you want them to hear directly from the medical experts and be aware of what’s happening with you. If you’re undergoing a major medical operation or treatment for chronic illness, it’s important that your LGBTQ+ partner be involved, especially if he, she or they have to make decisions when you cannot.

Discussion Starters

Your sexual orientation and gender identity may come up naturally as part of your conversations. If not, you can always tell your provider “matter-of-factly.” Starting that conversation may be difficult for you. Consider these prompts to begin a discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity:

• “These are my personal pronouns. Please refer to me as _______.”
• “I have questions about ________.”
• “Would sexual activity be impacted by ______?”
• “I would like to introduce my partner.”
• “I’m interested in testing or screening for ________.”

Your healthcare provider should be a safe space to discuss all things related to your well-being. You’ve got one life to live, and maximizing your health and wellness are important to making the most out of the life you have. Be clear and confident about who you are, especially when it comes to expecting the best in care and treatment. You should be able to convey your questions and concerns without fear and have them fully answered and addressed by expert professionals.