Exploring the Challenges of Sexual Orientation Disclosure Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Individuals

This qualitative study sought to understand lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) individuals’ experiences of sexual orientation disclosure in health care settings and ways health care providers (HCPs) can create supportive and inclusive relationships with patients. Participants (n = 375) responded to questions about disclosure in health care settings on an anonymous online survey. Results identified themes of ease, difficulty, and safety in disclosure, and ways HCPs can provide outward support of LGBTQ individuals, such as nonjudgmental communication, elimination of provider assumptions, and increased LGBTQ awareness and knowledge. HCPs can offer safe, inclusive spaces that demonstrate acceptance, and they should educate themselves on how discrimination, marginalization, and inequities affect LGBTQ individuals.