Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Student Concerns

The University Health Center is committed to making its services available to all students regardless of race, color, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, age, national origin, political affiliation, or physical or mental disability. We work hard to provide all students with a non-judgmental setting in which to receive health care services.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) students often do not seek necessary health care. They may be ambivalent about their sexual identity as well as their sexual orientation. That ambivalence can make the presumed intimacy of a visit with a health care provider even more anxiety-producing.

LGBT students may have confidentiality concerns or fears of being "outed." They may be afraid that they will experience provider bias or homophobia or even be denied care. They may have been subjected to a provider's heterosexist assumptions or other negative experiences in the past. Their most significant concern may be that the provider will try to "cure" them of their sexual identity or orientation.

To identify providers who want students to know that they are particularly sensitive to the needs of LGBT clients, look for the University of Maryland Allies Project's "Safe Person/Safe Space" symbol on doors throughout the University Health Center.

Good contacts for LGBT concerns at the University Health Center:

Contact: Julia Matute, Health Center LGBT Liaison (matute@health.umd.edu)
(301) 314-8103

Contact (Faculty and Staff Only): Joan Bellsey (bellsey@health.umd.edu)
(301) 314-8099

Other Resources for Sexual Minorities