Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ+) people deserve access to health care, including family planning and sexual health services, that is welcoming and meets their specific needs. Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ people, men who have sex with men, and people who have sex with members of the same sex and do not identify as gay, face substantial obstacles to receiving health care, leading to poorer health outcomes than those who identify as cisgender and/or heterosexual.
Health care challenges for many LGBTQ+ people are compounded by discrimination due to race, ethnicity, immigration status, income, and ability status. LGBTQ+ communities are disproportionately affected by HIV and those living with HIV need specialized medical care and social support systems without shame and stigma.
Family planning providers play a critical role in ensuring that all community members, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, receive appropriate, timely, and affordable health care services. This includes expanding access to LGBTQ+ specific care and offering safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people.
NFPRHA's Position
NFPRHA believes that all people should have access to affordable, confidential, high-quality, culturally responsive family planning and sexual health services, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. Because of the unacceptable stigma, discrimination, and violence that members of the LGBTQ+ community can face – and the contributions of such discrimination to adverse health outcomes – it is especially important to assure that these patients’ rights are treated in a culturally relevant and responsive way when accessing health services.
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NFPRHA's Work
NFPRHA works to ensure health services are accessible for LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. NFPRHA works with health centers to promote welcoming care and with policymakers to enhance anti-discrimination protections, including limiting the reach of health care refusal laws. NFPRHA opposes laws that allow providers to refuse to provide health care to LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse people.
Policy & Service Delivery Resources
Presentations and Trainings
Key Organizations and Initiatives