Excerpt from: To Treat Me, You Have To Know Who I Am
Keiva Lei offers tips on ‘how’ to Real Talk with your healthcare providers:
Remember: The healthcare system is changing and Patient-Centered Care is more important than ever. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.
- Make a list of what you want to know. Note your high priority questions and make sure you ask them.
- If you feel the need for support—ask a friend, family member, or other supportive person to accompany you.
The healthcare system now stresses sensitivity to all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
- Make it a point to tell your provider something about you. To help you, a provider needs to know something about you- like what you prefer to be called, your gender identity, your sexual practices, who you rely on for support.
If your provider seems open to learning more about LGBT health and cancer, suggest visiting the National LGBT Cancer Network website.
Real Talk PartnerSHIP acknowledges Liz Margolies and the National LGBT Cancer Network for making this video resource available. Learn more about other resources from this national organization.