LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care Initiative: Home

Welcoming environments are those that provide LGBT patients and their families the dignity and respect that all patients deserve. In such environments, LGBT people are much more likely to feel comfortable being open with their providers and with staff about their sexual orientation, gender identity, family, and relationships. They are able to
share information relevant to their care without concern for how that information will be received. Changes (big and small) can go a long way in communicating to LGBT patients and their families that the organization welcomes the opportunity to care for them. We hope this Guide is a helpful resource to you as you lead and manage efforts to provide welcoming, inclusive, and affirming care and services to LGBT people—as well as all populations—in your community.

Studies show that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and (LGBT) populations, in addition to having the same basic health needs as the general population, experience health disparities and barriers related to sexual orientation* and/or gender identity or expression. Many avoid or delay care or receive inappropriate or inferior care because of perceived or real homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and discrimination by health care providers and institutions. Health care providers can take positive steps to promote the health of their LGBT patients by examining their practices, offices, policies and staff training for ways to improve access to quality health care for LGBT people.

In addition to being a valuable tool and resource for healthcare facilities, the HEI is used by LGBT patients, their loved ones and allies to find facilities that provide equitable and inclusive care. The ratings for each participating and researched facility are published in this report, available on our website and promoted to HRC’s
over 1.5 million supporters. Consumers can easily search our interactive map to see how facilities near them rate — giving patients the ability to choose where they would like to receive care in their time of need.