Dealing with discrimination (LGBT+)
If you experience prejudice or intimidation, this isn’t something you have to put up with.
LGBT+ health and wellbeing
Everyone's health is equally important – no one should face discrimination or poor treatment when accessing health or care services.
Health services for LGBT+ people
Healthcare services have a duty to provide care that's fair and equal. LGBT+ people face the same general health concerns as everyone else – but some issues affect LGBT+ people specifically.
It's important to see a doctor if you're concerned about your health. If you've faced discrimination or poor treatment in the past, it's understandable to worry that it might happen again. But avoiding seeing the doctor could put your health at risk.
Every GP surgery should have a policy on equality and diversity, which you can ask to see at any time. Any information you share with NHS staff is confidential and there are strict laws to make sure health records are kept secure.
If you've been treated unfairly by a health service because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, you can make a complaint.
Find out more about making a complaint about NHS services on the NHS website
Sexual health and sexual health services for LGBT+ people
Unprotected sexual contact could put you at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The best way to prevent STIs is to practise safer sex, using condoms and dental dams.
It's important to remember that it's possible to get an STI through non-penetrative sex.
Not all STIs have symptoms, so it’s important to have regular sexual health check-ups. This generally means getting a sexual health check every time you change sexual partners.
If you’d prefer not to see your usual doctor, you can make an appointment at a sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Some of these are drop-in centres where you don’t need an appointment.
LGBT+ mental wellbeing
Lots of people experience mental health issues. Even though it can be difficult to talk about, it's nothing to be ashamed of.
Symptoms of mental health problems are complex and vary widely – but they might include feeling sad or hopeless and losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed. There can also be physical symptoms such as sleeping too much or too little, changes to your appetite, and various aches and pains.
Although dealing with a mental health problem isn't just an inevitable part of ageing, research has shown that older LGBT+ people’s mental wellbeing can be affected by certain experiences – such as facing prejudice. Whatever your situation, there's support available.
Talking to someone about how you’re feeling might seem daunting, but it can help you start to feel better. Whatever your situation, you don’t need to deal with it on your own.
If you don't want to reach out to someone close to you, you can speak to your doctor. After listening to your symptoms, your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you. These might include self-help, lifestyle changes, prescribed medication or talking therapies.
If you'd prefer to speak to someone anonymously, either over the phone or online, organisations such as the Samaritans can help.
You can visit the Samaritans website for more information or call their helpline on 116 123. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Telling services about yourself
Service providers should only ever ask questions about your sexual orientation or gender if it's relevant to your care. Although they can feel personal, and even intrusive, these questions help service providers know whether what they’re are offering is right for you.
If you’ve had negative experiences after sharing personal information in the past, it’s normal to worry it could happen again. It's up to you whether you want to disclose information about your sexual orientation or gender identity, and you have the right to ask why this information is being requested.
It can be reassuring to remember that Health and public services are increasingly used to supporting LGBT+ people of all ages and backgrounds. There are also strict laws about confidentiality and privacy – as well as the Equality Act’s protections against discrimination. Any personal information you share must be kept private, and health and care workers must treat you fairly.
Living with dementia as an LGBT+ person
Living with dementia as an LGBT+ person can present certain challenges. For example, you might find it harder to remember who you've told about your sexual orientation or gender identity, or you might find accessing support more difficult.
The Alzheimer's Society has a booklet about living with dementia as an LGBT+ person.
LGBTQ+: Living with dementia from the Alzheimer's Society (1 MB)
We're here to help
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.