Never mind our ever-changing healthcare landscape, just going to the doctor as a queer person in and of itself can be a stressful event. While everyone wants to think that the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community aren’t as strong as they once were, you still face the risk of having your identity invalidated or questioned.
Your concerns can also be dismissed or attributed solely to your queerness.
It should come as no surprise, then, that many in the queer community avoid going to the doctor altogether. However, if we ever want things to truly change, it’s essential to advocate yourself as a queer patient. You might not be able to change people’s perspectives or opinions, but there are things you can do to ensure you’re receiving the best care possible.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can speak up to your healthcare professionals and become an advocate for yourself and others in the queer community.
Understanding Your Rights
If you don’t understand your basic rights as a patient, you’ll lose steam very quickly when it comes to talking with your doctor. Some of the most basic patient rights include:
- Receiving treatment without discrimination;
- Asking questions about your health and treatments;
- Getting a second opinion;
- Making decisions about your health;
- Being treated by medical staff who respect your privacy;
- Being treated with respect and dignity.
Not only can understanding those rights make you feel more confident during medical exams, but you’ll quickly know if they aren’t being met. If they aren’t, you’ll have the knowledge and fuel needed to speak up and speak out.
Moreover, patient rights aren’t unique to Canada. Understanding and comparing medical rights throughout similar regions can help you to find the best care for you. There is a similar set of patient rights that are part of the American Medical Association’s code of ethics. Even though you’re not an American citizen, American healthcare providers are required to respect your rights if you are their patient.
Long story short, if healthcare providers — Canadian or American — aren’t respecting your rights, they’re running an unethical practice.
Practice Your Speech
Many people struggle with nerves or even fear when it comes to going to the doctor. If you’re already nervous about your medical care, you’re probably not going to be comfortable opening up and taking a stand for yourself.
One of the best things you can do to calm your nerves and stay on track is to practice a “speech” ahead of time. Know exactly what you want to say to your provider, including questions you want to ask and concerns you want to bring to their attention. It’s okay to write some things down to serve as reminders.
If you’re still uncomfortable or nervous, bring someone with you. Bringing a friend or family member to your appointment can help you feel “shielded,” and your doctor may be less likely to show discrimination with someone else in the room.
Know When To Go
No matter how long you’ve been with a certain healthcare provider, it’s important to know when it’s time to seek out someone else. If you don’t feel comfortable with your doctor or you feel like you have to repress who you really are, you could be doing more harm than good to your mental well-being.
Again, it’s your right to ask for a second opinion from another doctor if you don’t agree with what your provider has to say. However, there’s a difference between getting a second opinion once or twice and actually looking for a completely different provider. You should consider changing your doctor if:
- You can’t openly communicate with them;
- They have no respect for you or your time;
- They can’t provide the expertise you need;
- They don’t want you to get a second opinion.
Thankfully, there are many doctors throughout the country who are allies and would be happy to take you as a patient. Healthcare is nothing to take lightly. If you don’t feel comfortable with your provider, don’t let it keep you from getting the care you deserve. Speak up for yourself, and don’t be afraid to walk away.
- Sam Bowman
