The Need for Safe Spaces in Medicine for the LGBTQAI+ Community

A doctor’s visit is meant to be a safe, supportive, and inclusive experience for each patient. During this time you should be able to open up and be present with your practitioner. There shouldn’t be any fear or need to hold back certain information.

Unfortunately, trips to the doctor office are not always great experiences, particularly for patients in the LGBTQAI+ community. A 2020 survey of 1,528 self-identified LGBTQ adults from the Center for America Progress found that 20 percent of respondents experienced a form of negative and/or discriminatory treatment from a doctor or healthcare provider in the last year, and 15 percent had postponed or avoided necessary medical care because of discrimination. 40 percent of transgender individuals reported postponing preventive screenings because of disrespect or discrimination in a healthcare setting.

Kayan Health’s approach to care is about making sure patients feel comfortable, welcome and safe using a secure, diverse, telehealth platform. Safeness brings out the ability to be vulnerable, allowing for you to open up about necessary insights doctors can use for your care journey. 

When a patient is in a safe environment, free of discrimination, they open up more freely about many issues, not just the one they came there for. Being able to talk about stressful or traumatic experiences can help practitioners understand other problems within the patient’s body. Many times, digestive issues, difficulties breathing and inflammation can be tied to personal experiences. Life events can shape physical and psychological outcomes. Sometimes it is a quick fix, while other times it requires greater care.

Kayan realizes that an individualized, democratized approach to healthcare is the only answer. All communities, including LGBTQAI+ deserve a safe, welcoming space. We are here to guide every member through a safe, connected healthcare journey from beginning to end.