Affirming LGBTQ Healthcare in 2025 – Breaking Barriers

“I will not permit considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing, or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient,” this is part of what we call now ‘The Physician’s Oath’.

In practice, however, there is discrimination, but it’s still a work in progress. Don't get us wrong, to say we’ve come a long way in inclusivity would be an understatement in 2025. It’s partly thanks to the rising attention on these issues that marginalized communities like the LGBTQ+ have become more open and aware of the care they need in a society that wasn’t really built for them.

We are here to celebrate these small but sure changes that have revolutionized the LGBTQ+ healthcare system and figure out how to navigate the minefields along the way.

Funnily enough, it wasn't always rainbows and butterflies. One of the key takeaways from the Center for American Progress (CAP) survey from as recent as 2022 was that one in five LGBTQ+ adults postponed or outright avoided medical care the past year because of disrespect or discrimination by doctors and staff. Many of these discriminations can sadly range from being misgendered to facing outright hostility or judgment and ultimately, denial of care.

It’s ironic that they have to hide a part of themselves and yet there are sayings out there that insist one should never lie to a doctor. The system and the people who perpetuate it have created an unsafe safe space to be physically vulnerable in and no foundation for a doctor-patient relationship at all.

Yes, it’s very sad that we had a poor start, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make an epic comeback. Before that, what exactly does "inclusive and affirming healthcare" even mean?

Think of it like creating a safe space where you can be yourself, no apologies needed. Here are some distinctive behaviors and tools that make a place LGBTQ+ friendly:

Respectful Language: This means using the right pronouns and chosen name the patient identifies with. A very basic courtesy showing that you see them for who they are.

Culturally Competent Care: Doctors and healthcare providers should be knowledgeable about the unique health needs and concerns of the LGBTQ+ community. This must be done without the judgment or snark that often encourages patients to not ask for the care they need at all.

Open Communication: Feeling comfortable talking openly about the patient’s health history, sexual orientation, and gender identity without zero judgment.

These are the most basic criteria for an inclusive space in a hospital but there are more behavioral-based things like bias training that focus on gender identity and more.

The Trials and Tribulations of Having LGBTQ+ Swag

Now that we know what the ideal is, it’s time to understand what exactly we have to work with. There isn’t much, we’ll tell you that. Although, things have changed comparatively on many fronts like the government’s removal of Section 377 and the general public’s shift in how they view people who are different from the norm.

Likewise, the road to inclusive healthcare isn't always smooth or straightforward.

Here are some real-time challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals:

Misinformation and Bias: This perhaps is one of the debilitating causes of this ignorance still persevering even among doctors who are supposed to be aware of how hormones and gender work. Some medical professionals still hold outdated views about the community which can very well lead to a misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment recommendations.

Lack of Access to Specialized Care: Finding doctors who understand and cater to LGBTQ+ health disparities, especially in rural areas, can be a struggle. Even if the knowledge to dismantle discrimination reaches them, the care could still be inaccessible because of the very few who still hold biases against them.

Fear of Discrimination: Even after all these years only 2% of India’s LGBTQ+ community have felt safe enough to come out. The fear of judgment or negative experiences, especially among the growing generation can prevent them from going to a hospital at all.

Including the 2%, around 135 million people are part of the LGBTQ+ community in India. That's a pretty big chunk of people who are missing out on potentially life-saving care.

It certainly puts things in perspective considering LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.

Now that you know what’s at stake, the next question in your mind is exactly why this blog exists: How to make a more welcoming healthcare environment for everyone?

Like a rare dentist’s warning before digging into your cavities: It won’t be easy and it won’t be quick.

But where there is life, there's always hope. Here are some of the things that can help India better its affirming healthcare practices:

Bias Training for Healthcare Staff: As we said before, the place and the people matter. Educating healthcare providers about LGBTQ+ health disparities and cultural competency is the first order of business. This can help break down the deep-rooted stereotypes and help create a more understanding environment for everyone involved.

Community Outreach Programs: With time and education the ‘Get Along’ t-shirt can easily become matching friendship bracelets. Creating a common ground for healthcare providers and LGBTQ+ organizations to grow and foster trust can go a long way in opening communication.

LGBTQ+ Inclusive Resources: With young activists, influencers and organizations already on the case, creating online resources and directories of LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare providers is becoming very easy. Most of all, it addresses the accessibility issue by being on the omnipotent internet.

Some of Kofuku’s picks are:

• Priyanka Paul (artwhoring)
• Roshini Kumar (rosh93)
• Vqueeram Aditya Sahai (vqueer)
• Gaysi Family (gaysifamily)
• Dalit Queer Project (dalitqueerproject)

The needs of LGBTQ+ youth and adults can be very different especially when it comes to transgenders. We’ve picked specific medical needs that are unique to that age group and therefore need to be handled by specialists rather than a general healthcare provider.

For Youth:

• Addressing the process and changes related to transgender healthcare services like puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and coming-out experiences.

• Providing mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth who face bullying or social isolation.

• Educating the child’s caretaker in understanding and accepting or in extreme cases liberating the child from their care to a more nurturing one.

For Adults:

• With the UNAIDS report saying MSMs (Men who have Sex with Men) are 28 times more at risk of getting HIV than other men, spreading awareness about antiretroviral treatment (ART) is more important now than ever. Understanding HIV/AIDS and other STI-related health risks can help encourage more people to test themselves and practice safe sex.

• Along with easy access to fertility treatments and reproductive care for same-sex couples, creating policies that perpetuate a bias-free system for adoption is important as well.

As much as we have to work tirelessly towards an inclusive future, it’s important to celebrate the milestone we reached.

1. Repeal of Section 377: In 2018, India's historic decision to decriminalize homosexuality was a major step forward for LGBTQ+ rights, paving the way for greater inclusivity in healthcare.

2. Increased Awareness: There's a growing awareness of transgender healthcare and a push for more research in this area. This is leading to better treatment options and a more informed medical community. The poll findings of the 2023 Pew Research Center even reported that 53% were all in for same-sex marriage.

To make a truly inclusive LGBTQ+ healthcare system is something that will take years, from concept to reality. But that's where you come in!

By constantly raising awareness, fighting discrimination, and promoting inclusive practices, it is we who can build a future where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered to take charge of their health. We can create a system so good that not even Elon Musk can ruin it like he ruined Twitt- we mean, X.

Here's to a brighter and healthier future for the LGBTQ+ community where everyone has access to the care they deserve!