Our Mission

Our Mission

We provide comprehensive and compassionate care for all patients regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) patients have historically been an underserved community with unique health needs. We aim to eradicate long-standing health disparities while furthering the care, research, educational, and service goals of the Cleveland Clinic enterprise.

Center for LGBTQ+ Care

Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ+) Care offers healthcare services at the Lakewood Family Health Center, 216.237.5500. Embedded in a primary care practice, the center provides care for all patients in a safe and welcoming environment. It includes providers who understand the health needs of LGBT patients, and access to specialists with expertise in LGBTQ+ care.

Healthcare Equality Index

National research has shown that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients are at increased risk for substandard, insensitive, or even abusive care due to stigmatization. This has led to a number of inequalities in the delivery and quality of healthcare to members of this group, which include:

  • Patients are more likely to delay needed regular medical care.
  • LGBT individuals are more likely to be dependent on alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
  • Gay men and transgender patients are at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
  • Lesbian women are more likely to be overweight and are less likely to have regular cancer screenings.
  • Youth are more likely to experience significant mental health problems, have a higher risk of suicide, engage in risky behaviors, and become the victims of violence.
  • Elderly LGBT patients are at risk for poor social support due to stigmatization.

We strive to decrease healthcare disparities through education, training, and the delivery of world-class health care to LGBT patients.

Since 2016, The Human Rights Campaign has recognized Cleveland Clinic hospitals for inclusive, culturally competent care.

The Human Rights Campaign's Healthcare Equality Index is a national benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities for their dedication to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning) patients, visitors and employees.

In 2022, the following Cleveland Clinic hospitals participating in the Healthcare Equality Index achieved Leader in Healthcare Equality status:

The following Cleveland Clinic hospital was recognized with a Top Performer in Healthcare Equality designation:

Gay and Bisexual Men's Health Lesbian and Bisexual Health Transgender Surgery & Medicine Program LGBT+ Youth Gender Affirming Services Appointments Our Doctors