Pride Month and Beyond: Three Perspectives on Creating More Inclusive Gynecologic Oncology Care
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and recognize the progress that has been made toward equity and inclusion. It is also an opportunity for reflection and action. For gynecologic oncology professionals, that means examining how we create clinical environments where every patient feels seen, respected and empowered to receive the care they deserve.
Transgender and nonbinary individuals continue to face barriers to preventive care, cancer screening and treatment, often because healthcare settings are not designed with their identities and experiences in mind. Building clinically competent and identity-affirming practices requires ongoing learning, thoughtful communication and a willingness to challenge assumptions.
This Pride Month, we invite SGO members to explore three blog posts that offer personal insights and practical guidance for creating more inclusive gynecologic cancer care.
The Power of Authenticity in Patient Care
In “Coming Out to Patients,” Dr. Benjamin Margolis reflects on the personal and professional experience of being open about his identity with patients. His perspective illustrates how authenticity can strengthen trust, foster meaningful connections and demonstrate the importance of representation in medicine.
As healthcare professionals, every interaction has the potential to build confidence and belonging. Dr. Margolis’ story reminds us that inclusive care begins with human connection.
Creating Inclusive and Affirming Gynecologic Cancer Care
Providing exceptional care means recognizing that gender identity and anatomy do not always align with traditional assumptions about screening and treatment. “Creating Inclusive, Affirming Gynecologic Cancer Care During Pride Month and Beyond” offers practical considerations for creating welcoming clinical environments, using inclusive language and ensuring that transgender and nonbinary patients receive appropriate preventive care and cancer screenings based on their individual anatomy and risk factors.
These intentional practices help reduce barriers to care and create spaces where patients are more likely to seek and continue lifesaving screening and treatment.
Treating the Whole Patient
In “LGBTQ Pride Month: Treating Transgender Patients,” Allison Asante, PA-C, MBA, shares valuable insights into providing compassionate, respectful and patient-centered care for transgender individuals. The blog highlights the importance of listening without assumptions, understanding the unique challenges many patients face and recognizing that affirming care is an essential component of quality care.
By approaching every patient with curiosity, empathy and respect, clinicians can help improve both the healthcare experience and health outcomes.
Moving Beyond Pride Month
Creating equitable gynecologic oncology care is not limited to one month on the calendar. It is an ongoing commitment to education, self-reflection and continuous improvement. Small changes, such as using a patient’s affirmed name and pronouns, updating intake forms, reviewing screening protocols or fostering more inclusive clinical environments, can have a meaningful impact on patient trust and engagement.
This Pride Month, we encourage SGO members to take the next step by reading these three perspectives and considering how their insights can be applied in everyday practice. Together, we can help ensure that every transgender and nonbinary patient receives compassionate, evidence-based and identity-affirming gynecologic oncology care throughout the year.