“Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be to be accepted. Belonging, on the other hand, doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.”

-Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

The truth is, healthcare, like many other systems, has historically fallen short in providing truly inclusive and affirming spaces for everyone. This needs to change, because inclusive primary care isn't just a "nice-to-have" – it's a fundamental necessity for the health and well-being of all.

One of the most critical aspects of effective primary care is the feeling of being heard. When a patient presents with symptoms, they deserve to have those concerns validated and investigated, not brushed aside or attributed to unrelated factors. This is especially true for marginalized communities who may have experienced a lifetime of their experiences being doubted or dismissed.

For LGBTQ+ individuals, this can manifest in various ways. A transgender person seeking care for a physical ailment might face providers who focus solely on their gender identity rather than their presenting symptoms, or who lack understanding of how their identity might impact their health needs. A lesbian woman might have her concerns about reproductive health dismissed because of assumptions about her sexual activity. The consequences of such dismissal can be severe, leading to delayed diagnoses, worsening conditions, and a deep distrust of the medical system.

Inclusive primary care is about actively creating an environment where every individual feels accepted, respected, and affirmed in who they are. Inclusive primary care is about belonging, not fitting in.

For transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, access to gender-affirming care within primary care is paramount. Gender-affirming care encompasses a range of medical and mental health services that support an individual's gender journey. When primary care embraces gender-affirming care, it supports the whole person, fostering a sense of authenticity and well-being that is crucial for overall health.

When primary care is truly inclusive, the benefits extend far beyond the individual patient. It builds trust within communities, encourages preventive care, and ultimately leads to healthier populations. It declares everyone deserves respectful, compassionate, and effective healthcare, regardless of who they are or who they love.

When primary care is truly inclusive, it's not just better for some – it's better for all.

-Dr Shayne Poulin MD