The State of the LGBTQ+ Community in Surgery

Abstract

The LGBTQ+ community is a diverse community that faces unique needs and multidimensional form of discrimination. Cultural awareness and awareness of intersectionality of experiences are essential in creating an equitable environment for health care professionals and patients.

Letter re: Achieving Equitable Representation For Minorities and Underrepresented Members of the Surgical Community

“…We agree that the continuing marginalization, discrimination, and stigma against the SGM community adversely impact both SGM providers and patients. 1 It is with the great support of Pascarella’s thoughtful discourse and recommendations that we would like to make some contributions, further expanding on the disparities in medicine for physicians and patients.…”

“…Finally, uplifting the experiences of SGM patients in this discussion is also important, particularly when considering the numerous health disparities that SGM populations face in both healthcare access and delivery. 1 When compared to heterosexual/cisgender counterparts, SGM individuals have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, certain cancers, substance use disorders, cigarette smoking, and suicide. 4 In part, these disparities are due to factors within the healthcare system, such as previous negative experiences, perceived discrimination, provider biases, and lower or limited access to care.…”

“…Another important area of focus noted by Pascarella, 1 given the history of anti-SGM attitudes and discrimination in medical training programs, is in increasing SGM representation and cultivating an inclusive culture in graduate medical education (GME). In a 2014 survey, Lee, et al reported that 89% of SGM surgical residents did not disclose their sexual orientation/gender status when applying to general surgery programs.…”

Creating a friendly healthcare environment for LGBTQIA+ patients

“…18 Unfortunately, a lack of trust in the healthcare system, denial of care, discrimination, and violence discourage individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ from seeking treatment. 19 A 2020 study from the Center for American Progress 20 reported that 15% of patients who identify as LGBTQIA+ postponed medical care due to discrimination. For example, an Act in Arkansas passed in 2021 allows clinicians to refuse to provide medical treatment because of religious or moral objections.…”