Inclusive Care Navigator
Your Identity. Your Health. Your Care.
A welcoming guide to preventive healthcare, preparing for appointments, finding affirming providers, and reaching trusted support. No accounts. No sign-ups. No personal information asked.
Find the Care You Need
Choose where you would like to start.
Understanding LGBTQ+ Health
Everyone deserves healthcare that sees the whole person. LGBTQ+ people share many of the same health needs as anyone else, and some may also benefit from care that is informed about their experiences and identities.
Common healthcare needs
Everyday care, from managing chronic conditions to getting care when you feel unwell, should be accessible without judgment.
Preventive care
Regular checkups, screenings, and vaccinations help catch concerns early and keep you well over time.
Mental wellness
Emotional health is part of overall health. Support is available, and asking for it is a sign of strength.
Sexual health
Open, private conversations about sexual health help you get the testing, prevention, and care that fit your life.
Why respectful, inclusive care matters
When you feel respected, it is easier to share honestly, ask questions, and stay connected to care. Inclusive care means using your name and pronouns, avoiding assumptions, and focusing on your actual health needs.
Preventive Health Essentials
Prevention is about staying ahead. Explore the core building blocks below, then talk with a qualified healthcare professional about what fits you.
Good to know: Screening needs depend on anatomy, age, medical history, and individual risk factors — not on gender identity alone. Share what feels relevant so your care can be tailored to you.
Finding Inclusive Healthcare
You deserve a provider who is . Here is how to look for one.
What does “affirming” mean?
In this guide, an affirming provider is one who respects your identity, uses your name and pronouns, avoids assumptions, and focuses on your health needs with care and without judgment.
- Identify affirming providers
Look for providers who state they welcome LGBTQ+ patients, and ask trusted friends or community organizations for recommendations. - Review clinic policies
Check whether a clinic has non-discrimination policies and patient forms that include options for names, pronouns, and identities. - Ask about inclusive services
It is okay to call ahead and ask what services are offered and whether staff have experience caring for LGBTQ+ patients. - Notice the environment
Welcoming spaces may use inclusive language, offer private conversations, and treat every patient with respect.
Preparing for Your Healthcare Visit
A little preparation can make appointments feel more comfortable. Share only what you choose — you are in control of your story.
- Discussing your health concerns
Write down your main questions and symptoms before your visit. Start with what matters most to you, and ask your provider to explain anything that is unclear.
- Sharing your name and pronouns
You can let staff know the name and pronouns you use, either on intake forms or at check-in. If you are misgendered, it is okay to calmly offer a correction.
- Your medical history
Bring notes on past conditions, surgeries, family history, and previous test results if you have them. Relevant history helps your provider recommend the right care.
- Medications and supplements
Keep a list of all medications, hormones, vitamins, and supplements you take, including doses. This helps prevent interactions and supports safe care.
- Talking about sexual health
Honest conversations about sexual health help your provider suggest appropriate testing and prevention. You can ask how your information is kept private.
- Your personal healthcare preferences
Let your provider know how you like to receive information, whether you would like a support person present, and any preferences about exams or terminology for your body.
Mental Health and Community Support
Your emotional well-being matters. Feeling supported — by people and by professionals — can make a real difference.
Emotional well-being
Rest, connection, and activities you enjoy can help you feel more grounded day to day.
Managing stress
Stress is a normal response, but when it feels heavy or constant, it is worth talking to someone.
Discrimination-related challenges
Experiences of stigma or discrimination can affect mental health. Your feelings are valid, and support is available.
Supportive communities
Community groups, friends, and chosen family can offer belonging and understanding.
Professional support: Therapists, counselors, and crisis lines can help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7/365, and conversations are free and confidential. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services.
Your Preventive Care Checklist
Six areas to keep in mind as you plan your care.
Routine health screenings
Ask which screenings fit your body, age, and history, and how often to repeat them.
Vaccinations and preventive care
Review your vaccine record and ask what is recommended for you now.
Sexual health and STI testing
Discuss testing and prevention options in a private, judgment-free conversation.
Mental health and emotional well-being
Share how you are feeling and ask about counseling or support options.
Gender-affirming healthcare considerations
If relevant to you, talk with a knowledgeable provider about how gender-affirming care fits into your overall health plan.
Regular healthcare follow-ups
Keep track of results and next steps, and schedule follow-ups so nothing falls through the cracks.
Preventive care recommendations should be personalized with a qualified healthcare professional who knows your history and needs.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
Bring these to your next appointment. Tick them off as you go.
Your selections stay on your screen only. Nothing is saved, sent, or shared.
Trusted LGBTQ+ Health Resources
Organizations offering information, provider guidance, and support. Each link opens in a new tab.
CDC LGBTQ+ Health
Health information and resources about LGBTQ+ health from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Learn MoreHuman Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index
Explore the Healthcare Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign to learn about LGBTQ+ inclusion in healthcare facilities.
Learn MoreGLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality
The oldest and largest association of LGBTQ+ and allied health professionals, advancing LGBTQ+ health equity through research, advocacy, and education, with resources to educate and empower LGBTQ+ patients.
Learn MoreThe Trevor Project
A suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit for LGBTQ+ young people, providing information and support 24/7, all year round. Call, text, or chat with a trained counselor.
Find Support988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For anyone facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or who just needs someone to talk to. Available 24/7/365 — conversations are free and confidential. Call, text, or chat with a counselor, for yourself or someone you care about.
Healthcare Should Feel Like a Safe Space
You deserve to be treated with respect, to understand your options, and to make informed decisions about your body and your health. Whoever you are, appropriate care is something you can seek with confidence — and you never have to navigate it alone.