This Pride Month, Celebrate LGBTQ+ Health

This past year has been a worrying one for most of the LGBTQ+ community. Attacks on health care, especially that of transgender individuals, have flourished across more conservative parts of the country. Weill Cornell Medicine is proud to be a bronze-level sponsor for NYC Pride and we’re dedicated to taking care of the healthcare needs of the NYC LGBTQ+ community. 

While New York, Connecticut and New Jersey residents may not face the same threats, access to health care is a consistent and ongoing problem for many. At Weill Cornell Medicine, we are committed to providing accessible health care to our LGBTQ+ neighbors. This Pride Month, in between all the parties, don’t forget to schedule an appointment for a wellness visit, too.  

“It’s important to establish a good relationship with a primary care doctor with whom you can be frank,” says Gregory McWilliams, M.D., an attending internal medicine physician specializing in LGBTQ+ health at Weill Cornell Medicine.  

LGBTQ+ People Report Poorer Health 

Statistics have long shown that LGBTQ+ teens and adults report a higher percentage of mental health struggles than straight people. But a recent survey from the Center for American Progress found LGBTQ+ adults were more likely to say their physical health was “fair,” “poor” or “bad” than heterosexual adults. LGBTQI+ adults also were 10% more likely to say their poor health prevented them doing daily activities or working. LGBTQI+ people of color were even more likely to say their health was poor. 

While the survey didn’t delve into the causes of poor health, it did report that LGBTQ+ adults had “postponed or not tried to get preventive screenings” twice as often as straight adults. Postponing preventive screenings such as blood sugar and cholesterol checks, colonoscopies and mammograms can lead to delayed diagnosis of cancer, diabetes or heart disease — which can often mean worse outcomes for patients. 

Find Care That Doesn’t Discriminate 

Most people don’t enjoy going to the doctor. For LGBTQ+ patients, the stress is often higher. One of the main reasons so many in the community postpone preventive screenings is due to “disrespect or discrimination from a doctor or other healthcare provider,” according to the CAP survey.  

But there are providers out there who will listen to you and who won’t discriminate. Your health is worth protecting, and it’s important to advocate for yourself. 

Health Care Is Self-Care 

Your favorite kind of self-care might be a day at the spa, a weekend trip to Fire Island, or a long brunch with your best friends. But some of the easiest forms of self-care can be the hardest to do. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and enjoying plenty of exercise are three of the most important things you can do for your physical and mental health. But it can be hard to get started if you don’t know how to eat a balanced diet. And if you’re having trouble sleeping, everything feels difficult. Your primary care provider can help you find strategies to make lifestyle changes that can provide the best type of self-care. 

Mental Health Care Can Be Preventive, Too 

You don’t have to just see a therapist to address mental health issues. In fact, preventive mental health care is just as important for your overall well-being as screening for high cholesterol and blood sugar.  

“Individuals who experience higher rates of mental illness are those who may be more prone to internalizing a deeply negative view of themselves,” says Jessica Spellun, M.D., a psychiatrist at Weill Cornell Medicine.