Identity & orientation
Finding LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare
6 min read
LGBTQ+ people are more likely to delay care because of past bad experiences. Affirming providers make it easier to be honest — which leads to better testing, screening and treatment.
Where to look
- Sexual-health clinics, which often have LGBTQ+-specific services.
- Directories from LGBTQ+ health organisations.
- Recommendations from local LGBTQ+ community groups.
- Telehealth services that specialise in PrEP or gender-affirming care.
Questions to ask
- Do you see many LGBTQ+ patients?
- How do you record names, pronouns and gender?
- Do you offer PrEP, site-specific STI testing, or gender-affirming care?
- Can I bring a support person?
Signs of good care
- Questions about practices rather than assumptions about identity.
- Using the name and pronouns you give.
- Explaining tests and asking consent before examinations.
If care goes wrong
You can ask for a different clinician, bring a support person, or make a complaint. In many countries, discrimination in healthcare on the basis of orientation or gender identity is unlawful.
Sources & trusted further reading
- Find a sexual health clinic — NHS
- Find a free, fast, confidential test near you — CDC
- Find a certified sex therapist — AASECT
- Sexual health — NHS
- Sexual health — World Health Organization
Last reviewed October 25, 2026. Intima writes in plain language and checks claims against public-health bodies like the NHS, WHO and CDC. This is education, not medical advice. Find care & support →
Further reading
- GLMA — Find a provider: https://glma.org/
- CDC — LGBTQ+ health: https://www.cdc.gov/lgbt/
- NHS — LGBTQ+ health: https://www.nhs.uk/