{"id":1074,"date":"2024-11-11T14:19:13","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T19:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/injurycenter.umich.edu\/michigan-safer-opioid-prescribing-toolkit\/?page_id=1074"},"modified":"2026-04-27T15:49:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T19:49:46","slug":"lgbtq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/injurycenter.umich.edu\/safer-prescribing-toolkit\/special-populations\/lgbtq\/","title":{"rendered":"LGBTQ+"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Chronic Pain in LGBTQ+ Patients<\/h1>\n\n\n
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Patients who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to have chronic pain<\/a> than the general population.  Poor healthcare experience and stigma can cause LGBTQ+ people to turn away from care, often leaving important medical issues untreated. One study has shown<\/a> that nearly 1 in 6 LGBTQ+ people have avoided healthcare due to stigma and discrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a healthcare provider, you have an important role to make LGBTQ+ patients feel accepted and safe to keep them healthy. Speaking in a non-judgmental way and creating an open communication between your patient and yourself is crucial to their overall health and well-being.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Building Trust<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To give LGBTQ+ patients the best care, you must start by building trust. This probably won\u2019t happen in one visit. It will take time to build a relationship. Below are some things to consider in your conversations to help build trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

View our Effective Conversations<\/a> section for other ways to communicate well with patients.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Don\u2019t assume gender identity or sexuality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You cannot tell someone’s gender identity or sexuality by looking at them. If it is necessary for their medical care, it can be appropriate to ask. Explain why you need this information. Here are some ways you may consider asking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n