--- title: Navigating LGBTQ+ Affirming Healthcare description: Navigating LGBTQ+ Affirming Healthcare image: https://info.summusglobal.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20-%202026-05-28T172346.360-1.png --- [Skip to content](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/navigating-lgbtq-affirming-healthcare#main-content) [![Summus](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Summus_logos/summus2023_horizontal_rgb_600_72.png?width=200&height=37&name=summus2023_horizontal_rgb_600_72.png "Summus")](https://www.summusglobal.com/) [Log In](https://app.summusglobal.com/Login) May 28, 2025 # Navigating LGBTQ+ Affirming Healthcare ![Picture of Nancy Creech, MD, SVP of Clinical Operations at Summus](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/email_headshots/nancy_creech.png?width=50&name=nancy_creech.png) [Nancy Creech, MD, SVP of Clinical Operations at Summus](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/author/nancy-creech-md-vp-of-clinical-operations) [Share this page on Facebook](mailto:?body=https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/navigating-lgbtq-affirming-healthcare) #### ![Copy of Blog Header Image\_1200x400 - 2026-05-28T172346.360-1](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20-%202026-05-28T172346.360-1.png?width=960&height=320&name=Copy%20of%20Blog%20Header%20Image_1200x400%20-%202026-05-28T172346.360-1.png) Everyone deserves respectful, compassionate care — yet for many in the LGBTQ+ community, finding the right provider can be challenging. Whether you're looking for a new primary care physician or seeking specialist support, knowing how to advocate for yourself and your family is key.  Dr. Nancy Creech, SVP of Clinical Operations at Summus, outlines steps you can take to ensure you receive affirming and respectful care. 1. Research LGBTQ-Friendly Healthcare Providers: Look for healthcare providers and clinics that explicitly advertise themselves as LGBTQ-friendly or LGBTQ-affirming. You can often find this information on their websites or through online directories such as the [Gay and Lesbian Medical Association's Provider Directory](https://lgbtqhealthcaredirectory.org/). 2. **Ask for Recommendations:** Reach out to friends, family members, or members of the LGBTQ+ community for recommendations on healthcare providers who have treated them with respect and understanding. Personal recommendations can be invaluable in finding a supportive healthcare provider. 3. **Check for Inclusive Policies:** Before scheduling an appointment, check the clinic's policies regarding LGBTQ+ patients. Are they committed to using your preferred name and pronouns? Do they have a nondiscrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity? 4. **Prepare for Your Visit:** Before your appointment, consider writing down any questions or concerns you have about your health. If you're seeking care related to your sexual orientation or gender identity, be prepared to discuss these topics with your provider. 5. **Communicate Your Needs:** During your appointment, don't hesitate to communicate your needs and preferences to your healthcare provider. If you have specific concerns related to your LGBTQ+ identity, such as experiences of discrimination or challenges accessing care, share them openly. 6. **Educate Your Provider:** Not all healthcare providers may be familiar with the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. If you encounter a provider who lacks understanding or makes assumptions about your identity, consider educating them about your experiences and needs. 7. **Seek Support:** If you experience discrimination or mistreatment during a healthcare visit, know that you have the right to seek support and advocate for yourself. This may involve reaching out to LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, filing a complaint with the clinic or healthcare system, or seeking care from a different provider. 8. **Consider Telehealth Options:** If accessing LGBTQ-affirming care locally is challenging, consider exploring telehealth options that allow you to connect with healthcare providers remotely. Many telehealth platforms offer services specifically tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals. 9. **Trust Your Instincts:** Ultimately, trust your instincts when seeking healthcare. If you don't feel comfortable or respected by a healthcare provider, don't hesitate to seek care elsewhere. Your health and wellbeing are paramount, and you deserve care that affirms and supports your identity.   If you have questions about LGBTQ+ health or need help finding LGBTQ-friendly healthcare providers, reach out to Summus anytime through your [Summus Dashboard](http://www.summusglobal.com/dashboard) or by emailing [partners@summusglobal.com](mailto:partners@summusglobal.com).    > **Questions?**   1-917-565-8540  |  [partners@summusglobal.com](mailto:partners@summusglobal.com)  |  [http://www.summusglobal.com/dashboard](http://www.summusglobal.com/dashboard) [Clinical Guidance](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/clinical-guidance), [Preventative Care](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/preventative-care), [Mental Health](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/mental-health), [LGBTQIA+](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/lgbtqia), [Family Medicine](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/family-medicine), [LGBTQ+ health](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/lgbtq-health) ## Related posts [![](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog_graphics/Skin%20Health_1200x400.png?height=200&name=Skin%20Health_1200x400.png)](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/5-tips-for-healthy-summer-skin) [Skin Health](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/skin-health), [Expert Tips](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/tag/expert-tips) ## [5 Tips for Healthy Summer Skin](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/5-tips-for-healthy-summer-skin) ![Picture of Dr. Shari Lipner, Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center](https://info.summusglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/email_headshots/Shari%20Lipner.png?width=50&name=Shari%20Lipner.png) [Dr. Shari Lipner, Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center](https://info.summusglobal.com/summus-member-resources/author/dr-shari-lipner-associate-professor-of-clinical-dermatology-at-weill-cornell-medical-center) June 26, 2024 This summer, it's essential to prioritize protecting your skin while enjoying outdoor activities.... 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