Reducing Health Care Disparities for LGBTQ+ Patients

Jessie Chen, MD (she/her)

Pride Month really means so much to me as a queer physician of color. I know that LGBTQ+ individuals often avoid seeking health care for fear of judgment and mistreatment, leading to significant health care disparities in an already marginalized group. I strive to not only represent the LGBTQ+ community but also to help educate my peers to be active advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.

I encourage all my peers to join OutCare Health's OutList, a directory of culturally competent physicians who self-identify as allies or members of the LGBTQ+ community, so that patients can find safe, affirming health care. I am unapologetically me, in hopes that it will encourage others to do the same.