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LGBTQ Health

People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) deserve to get the most out of their health care visits. That means working with providers who affirm who they are and incorporate their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression into care.

Through the NYC Health Map, you can find LGBTQ-knowledgeable providers who can offer you services in:

  • Primary care
  • Sexual health care
  • Gender affirming care
  • HIV testing, treatment, and other services

For more help finding the right medical services and provider, you can also call 311.

"Bare It All"

The best way to ensure you get the most effective health care services is to be open and honest with your doctor. Staying healthy starts with telling your doctor everything, including details of your sex life and drug use. If you’re not comfortable with your doctor, we can help. Visit the NYC Health Map or call 311 to find an LGBTQ-knowledgeable doctor.

"Bare It All" is a citywide campaign encouraging LGBTQ patients to have open and honest discussions with their health care provider. A few tips for talking with your doctor:

  • Tell your doctor which name and pronoun they should use throughout your care. Even if they must use the name and gender marker on your insurance card for billing, the doctor and other staff must address you with your preferred name and pronoun.
  • Be honest about the kinds of sex you have, the gender(s) of your partners, and your typical safer sex practices.
  • Tell your doctor about your sexual history, even if they don’t bring up the topic.
  • Be honest about your drug, tobacco and alcohol use. You and your doctor can use this information to keep you safe and reduce your risks.

Health Care Bill of Rights

In New York City, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in public accommodations, including in health care settings.

The City’s LGBTQ Health Care Bill of Rights (PDF) is a list of current legal rights that you can use to assert your health care rights. In any health care setting or health care interaction, you have the right to:

  1. Be treated with dignity, respect and professionalism by all providers and all staff.
  2. Receive compassionate, judgement-free and comprehensive care that is mindful of your sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
  3. Respectful discussions with providers about your health and health care needs, including your sexual history and current sex life.
  4. Have your gender identity and gender expression recognized, affirmed, documented and accommodated.
  5. Clear explanations of requests for your health information.
  6. Clear explanations of all medical procedures and risks, and the right to choose or refuse any treatment.
  7. Access health insurance coverage and benefits without discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
  8. Choose who will make medical decisions for you if you are unable. If you are a minor, you have the right to have your voice heard and best interests included in these decisions.
  9. Decide who may and may not visit you if you are admitted to a health care facility.
  10. Privacy and confidentiality.

For more information on how these rights apply to your health care, see the LGBTQ Health Care Bill of Rights (PDF).

Complaints

If you believe you have been mistreated or denied care because of your sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, you can file a complaint with the City’s Commission on Human Rights by calling (718) 722-3131. You can also call 311 or file a complaint online.

Additional Resources

More Information