LGBTQ Health Awareness Week

March 17th-21st, 2025 is LGBTQ Health Awareness Week!

National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week raises awareness about health disparities, barriers to care, and promotes the health and well-being of LGBTQ individuals. By fostering trust, cultural competency, and access to appropriate care, Circle Medical providers can play a critical role in improving health outcomes for LGBTQ individuals.

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Here are some facts about LGBTQ Health to consider:

Lack of Provider Knowledge:

Many healthcare professionals are not adequately trained to address LGBTQ-specific health concerns (e.g., hormone therapy for transgender individuals).

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Insurance Barriers:

Transgender individuals often face insurance exclusions for gender-affirming treatments or face denial of care.

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Cultural and Geographical Barriers:

Those in rural or underserved areas may lack access to LGBTQ-affirming healthcare services.

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Economic Inequalities:

LGBTQ individuals, particularly transgender people, often face higher rates of unemployment and poverty.

Fear of Discrimination: eg. fear of judgement from past negative experiences with providers.

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We Provide An Inclusive Environment For All Patients

We do this by using inclusive language on forms and during conversations, displaying visible signs of support, such as pride flags or LGBTQ-friendly signage, and ensuring that intake processes allow for preferred names and pronouns.

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We Seek Education and Training:

By learning about LGBTQ-specific health concerns, including hormone therapy, PrEP, and mental health disparities.

Pursuing continuing education focused on cultural competency.

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We Support Mental Health:

By screening for mental health conditions and providing referrals to LGBTQ-friendly therapists when needed. Being aware of trauma-informed care approaches. Offering regular screenings for STIs, cancer, and other conditions relevant to LGBTQ populations. Encouraging vaccination for HPV and hepatitis.

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We Affirm Gender Identity:

By respecting pronouns and gender identity consistently. Supporting patients undergoing gender-affirming care. Advocating for systemic change and comprehensive primary care.

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