Finding a new primary care provider can be challenging, especially for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“We struggle to find affirming care, and why it’s more nuanced is that we need that person to see us as a human being first,” explained Ollie Robinson, Health Care Coordinator for the Grand Rapids Pride Center. “It’s intimidating because when you think of the political climate that we’re in that impacts how people think of and view, you know, people within the 2s LGBTQ plus community.”
Robinson lives in Muskegon County and often travels to Grand Rapids for gender-affirming care. He notes that the demand for affirming providers is increasing, while the number of available doctors has not kept pace with this demand.
“We have a pretty short list of places that we refer clients out to because doctors are overloaded with these clients,” Robinson explained. “And then to find a doctor that’s accepting new patients is, it can be a real challenge.”
However, patients are encouraged not to lose hope…