71% of LGBTQ+ patients report healthcare discrimination

Poor healthcare experiences damage patient-provider relationship

Poor healthcare experiences characterized by judgement and dismissal are ultimately harming the patient-provider relationship, the survey showed, particularly by discouraging LGBTQ+ patients from being fully honest and transparent with their clinicians.

Notably, a fifth of LGBTQ+ patients said they feel uncomfortable sharing their sexual orientation or gender identity with their doctor, a rate that's eight times higher than for straight patients. When looking at non-binary individuals alone, that number increases to 40%.

"Transparency can be lifesaving in the medical world. Because of this, it is crucial that patients trust their doctors and feel understood," Dr. Evan Goldstein, founder of Bespoke Surgical, said in a press release. "It is clear for LGBTQ+ people this is not always the case -- many feel judged and uncomfortable with their available medical practices, leading to dishonesty."

To be clear, lying is not common, regardless of a patient's sexual orientation or gender identity. However, the survey data showed that members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to lie to their doctors than their heterosexual counterparts (36% versus 16%), likely due to their fear of stigma and judgement.

And the types of things LGBTQ+ patients lie about are telling. For example, they are nearly twice as likely to lie about their drug use, mental health, number of sexual partners and sexual dysfunction. These are all topics LGBTQ+ survey respondents said they dislike discussing with their providers.

But there are also things both straight and LGBTQ+ patients lie about in nearly equal measure, such as smoking or vaping, diet and exercise habits or relationship status.

This is unsurprising, given data indicating LGBTQ+ patients are disproportionately concerned their clinicians will judge their sexual orientation or gender expression. The survey showed that the biggest barriers to a transparent patient-provider relationship for LGBTQ+ patients include a fear of judgement, stigma and assumptions.

Fear of judgement doesn't diminish care access

Perhaps the most encouraging survey finding is LGBTQ+ patients' persistence at finding a provider who is right for them.

Although some experts fear that poor previous healthcare encounters can discourage patients from seeking care again, this survey showed that members of the LGBTQ+ community are keen on finding a healthcare provider who can meet their needs.

For example, 78% of patients said they'd feel more comfortable visiting a healthcare provider who shares their sexual orientation. This not only highlights the need for more healthcare workforce diversity but also patient willingness to find the right doctor for them.

Furthermore, just over half (54%) of patients said they'd be willing to go out of network to find a doctor who is more inclusive. This comes as patients face an uphill battle to find gender-affirming care. A third of patients said it's hard to find LGBTQ+ informed care, especially in South Carolina, Texas, Missouri and Tennessee.

Still, LGBTQ+ patients have their concerns for the future.

A sizeable 81% of LGBTQ+ patients said they are worried about how new federal policies could shape their access to gender-informed healthcare services.

Moving forward, patients have some ideas on how to improve LGBTQ+ care. Stronger anti-discrimination protections (68%), inclusive healthcare networks with affirming providers (60%), LGBTQ+ specific training for medical professionals (54%) and legal protections for gender-affirming care (51%) are all favorable to LGBTQ+ survey respondents.

Sara Heath has reported news related to patient engagement and health equity since 2015.