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LGBTQ+ Health
People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex (LGBTQ+) may have unique health care needs. The resources and information provided below can help them avoid health conditions common to these groups and have safe, pleasurable sexual lives.
Health Services and Information
- Gay Men, Bisexual Men and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: Tips on sexual health, including information on anal health and sex.
- Diarrheal Infections in Gay Men and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: Information on how to recognize and avoid infections common to this group.
- Lesbians, Bisexual Women, Queer Women and Other Women Who Have Sex with Women: Information and services to help women stay safe and avoid health risks that are more common in this group.
- Transgender Health: Learn the correct terms for defining gender expansive people, as well as find community support resources and information about having safe, pleasurable sex.
- Intersex Health: Information for new parents and guardians, including the rights for intersex people in rejecting medically unnecessary interventions.
- LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Prevention: Know the risk factors for LGBTQ+ people and what you can do to help others or get help yourself.
Get Affirming Health Care
LGBTQ+ people 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, call 311.
When you visit your provider, here are a few tips for talking with them:
- Tell your provider 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 provider 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 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:
- Be treated with dignity, respect and professionalism by all providers and all staff.
- Receive compassionate, judgement-free and comprehensive care that is mindful of your sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
- Respectful discussions with providers about your health and health care needs, including your sexual history and current sex life.
- Have your gender identity and gender expression recognized, affirmed, documented and accommodated.
- Clear explanations of requests for your health information.
- Clear explanations of all medical procedures and risks, and the right to choose or refuse any treatment.
- Access health insurance coverage and benefits without discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
- 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.
- Decide who may and may not visit you if you are admitted to a health care facility.
- Privacy and confidentiality.
For more information on how these rights apply to your health care, see:
- LGBTQ Health Care Bill of Rights (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | Русский | 繁體中文 | Kreyòl ayisyen | 한국어 | বাংলা | Italiano | Polski | العربية | Français | ײִדיש | اردو - LGBTQ Health Care Bill of Rights Poster (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | Русский | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl ayisyen | 한국어 | বাংলা | Italiano | Polski | العربية | Français | ײִדיש | اردو
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
- Bare It All campaign video
Other Languages: Español - Health Bulletin: Talking to Your Doctor