Creating a welcoming environment for LGBT patients
| What to do | Why |
|---|---|
| Establish gender-neutral bath-rooms and avoid restroom signage that specifically designates one gender or another | Transgender individuals should feel comfortable using a rest-room that corresponds to their gender identity and expression |
| Avoid clinic names and signs that seem welcoming to only one gender (eg, Men’s Health Center, Women’s Health Center) | Gender-specific clinic names or centers may not appeal to or affirm gender-nonconforming people |
| Create initial patient intake forms that collect information on the patient’s preferred name, pronoun, gender identity, sex as- signed at birth, partner, and other family members | This information will help providers and staff address the patient correctly, both by name and pronoun |
| Create electronic health record forms that allow for collection of gender identity and natal sex that also include an anatomic inventory | This information will help providers address individuals’ specific healthcare needs according to their natal sex and current anatomy |