The Tegan and Sara Foundation, GLMA– Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ announced on October 25 the launch of an updated LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory, with support and collaboration from Cigna and Google.

The directory is a free, searchable database of medical professionals and healthcare providers who are knowledgeable and sensitive to the health needs of LGBTQ+ people in the United States and Canada. It is intended to reach diverse audiences of professionals and LGBTQ+ patients in need of care. The aim is to connect LGBTQ+ patients with healthcare providers who they can be open and honest with —free from fear of stigma or bias.

Over 15 years ago, GLMA built the first directory of LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals, which grew to be a respected resource in the United States. Together with input from LGBTQ+ health experts and community leaders, this resource has been updated with new search functionality and accessibility, and a new set of guiding principles.

Research has shown that LGBTQ+ people experience a number of health disparities:

• Greater risk of suicide, suicidal thoughts, mood disorders and anxiety, eating disorders, and alcohol and substance abuse.

• Transgender women, Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino men have the highest risk for HIV infection.

• Older LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to rate their health as poor and report more chronic conditions while having less social support.

• LGBTQ+ people are less likely to have a regular healthcare provider.

• Lesbian and bisexual women have higher rates of breast cancer, and transgender men and women are at greater risk.

• LGBTQ+ people have higher rates of HPV infection and related cervical or anal cancers.

The LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory is open for provider registration and patient use. To learn more, click here