HealthyWomen: What’s sexual orientation got to do with it? LGTBQ people face discrimination in health care

Pickle attributes these behaviors to implicit bias, societal cues and lack of training among HCPs.

Even seemingly small slights can harm patients.

“When somebody’s not using your chosen name and not using your pronouns, it demonstrates a lack of respect,” Pickle said. “It also makes individuals possibly wonder, ‘Am I safe here?’”

HealthyWomen reported barriers are further compounded for LGBTQ people of color and members of other marginalized groups. Pickle noted that for a Black transgender woman who experiences racism and gender bias, layers of discrimination are additive and inseparable.

“LGBTQ equity has to happen aligned with racial equity and economic justice,” Pickle said. “It comes down to this idea that as individuals, we are complex. We hold multiple identities at the same time.”

Ultimately, health care providers need time and space to support their patients.

“It really is our responsibility as care providers to engage our patients in conversations about care, listen to them as the experts of their bodies, but not place the responsibility on them to teach us about the care that they need,” Pickle said.

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