How do you find gay-friendly doctors?

Answer 1

A doctor has an oath they should stand behind so it shouldn't matter if the doctor is straight or gay. My girlfriend lives in L.A., is gay and has a straight doctor and has no problem.

AnswerThat previous answer is a bit short-sighted. Doctors are subject to the same prejudices as ordinary mortals. I went to my doctor for a cholesterol test. When I told my doctor I was gay, she wanted me to get vaccinated for Hepatitus C. She also wanted me to get an HIV test. I explained that I am completely monogamous with my partner of 12 years, but she continued to insist. There is nothing scientific with what she said. A gay person isn't magically more likely to contract these diseases solely on the basis of sexual orientation. the doctor needs to find out about the patient's behavior. So, if you want to find a GLBT friendly doctor, try http://www.glma.org/

Both of the previous statements are true...however, even if doctors have the duty to care for their patient's without prejudice, they ARE humans and they have opinions that skew their point of view. The same way you look for doctors that embrace alternative medicine, or are "pro-life", or are specialized in whatever, you also should shop around for a doctor that is knowledgeable about LGBT issues and is supportive. Caring for patients must take in consideration all aspects of their life. Fortunately this is the direction medicine is taking now, albeit slowly.

As to the experience of the writer above, I have to agree with that doctor's approach. Statistically speaking, gay men are more exposed to STD, like hep.C and HIV. Nothing magical about it, just human nature. Truthfully, no-one knows 100% that their partner is faithful. We are all human, again, and we make mistakes. We have to be practical, get tested and vaccinated, and be mindful of our choices. I have cared for too many people, men and women, who had been monogamous with their partners and believed they were too, and ended in the hospital with STD's. I don't put faith on a promise, but on the knowledge that we make mistakes, and we can be too embarrassed to admit it. I urge everyone to be tested, regularly; to protect themselves, every time; and to protect others and those we love.