This information describes support resources available to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) patients and their loved ones.
Support groups and community organizations
American Cancer Society (ACS) Survivors Network: Gay Men Talk About Cancer
https://csn.cancer.org/categories/gaymen
This online forum offers a place for gay men and their loved ones to discuss issues related to cancer.
American Cancer Society (ACS) Survivors Network: Lesbians Talk About Cancer
https://csn.cancer.org/categories/lesbians
This online forum offers a place for lesbians and their loved ones to discuss issues related to cancer.
Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
www.callen-lorde.org
212-271-7200
The Callen-Lorde Community Health Center provides sensitive, quality healthcare and related services targeted to New York’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, regardless of their ability to pay. To further this mission, Callen-Lorde promotes health education and wellness, and advocates for LGBTQ health issues. They have many health centers across New York City, so visit their website or call for more information.
CancerCare
www.cancercare.org/publications/209-coping_with_cancer_as_an_lgbt_person
800-813-4673
275 7th Ave. (between West 25th and 26th streets)
New York, NY 10001
Provides counseling, support groups, educational workshops, publications, and financial help for people with cancer.
Destination Tomorrow
www.destinationtomorrow.org
646-723-3325
452 E. 149th St., 3rd Floor
Bronx, NY 10455
Destination Tomorrow is an LGBTQ community center located in the Bronx borough of New York City. It provides many services for the LGBTQ community, such as medical and mental health services, career services, and support programs.
Fenway Health
www.fenwayhealth.org
Fenway Health is a community health center located in Boston, Massachusetts. Their site also provides education, training, and resources for LGBTQ community members and healthcare providers.
Malecare
www.malecare.org
Malecare is a men’s cancer survivor support and advocacy organization. It provides personal stories and education for cancer survivors, including resources for gay and bisexual men.
Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Virtual Program: Life After Cancer Support Group for LGBTQ Cancer Survivors
www.msk.org/vp
This free, online support group for LGBTQ cancer survivors addresses adjustment to life after cancer treatment, including issues such as emotional adjustments, changes in physical functioning, altered self-image, persistent fatigue, isolation, and other post–treatment-related concerns. If you’re interested in joining a Virtual Program, visit our website at www.msk.org/vp for more information.
National LGBT Cancer Network
www.cancer-network.org
Provides education and resources for LGBT community members and training for healthcare providers on LGBT health risks.
National LGBT Cancer Project
www.lgbtcancer.org
Provides resources such as a clinical trial finder and resource center, stories of support, and other informational resources for members of the LGBT community.
SAGE: Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders
www.sageusa.org
212-741-2247
SAGE is a national organization dedicated to improving the lives of older LGBTQ+ adults. SAGE offers supportive services and resources for older LGBTQ+ adults and their caregivers.
The Ali Forney Center
www.aliforneycenter.org
212-222-3427 ext. 300
307 W. 38th St., 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
The Ali Forney Center is an agency in New York City that provides services for LGBTQ homeless youths.
The Big Groups
www.findhealthclinics.com/US/New-York/159912964020164/The-Big-Groups
The Big Groups are in-person support groups across New York City. They’re for patients facing life-threatening illnesses and their caregivers. For more information and to see their current schedule, visit their website.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center (The Center)
www.gaycenter.org
212-620-7310
208 W. 13th St.
New York, NY 10011
The Center provides a variety of programs for the LGBTQ community. These include health and wellness programs, arts and cultural events, recovery and family support services.
Memorial Sloan Kettering LGBTQI+ Cancer Care Program
www.msk.org/experience/patient-support/lgbtqi-cancer-care-program
This program provides a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQI+ people getting screened or treated for cancer at MSK, or in our survivorship program. Our experts in caring for LGBTQI+ people are here to guide and support you during and after cancer treatment. You can talk with them about your care goals, treatment, and any healthcare challenges you may face. For more information or to schedule a visit, email [email protected] or talk with your care team.
Other resources
Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE)
www.transequality.org
A resource for transgender people to learn how they can legally change their name in their home state and update their identification (ID). It also provides other logistical resources for transgender people on getting healthcare coverage and other information about their legal rights.
Changing Gender on Your Driver’s License
www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/changing-gender-on-license
A resource for people who may want to change the gender on their driver’s license. Here you can find an explanation of the laws and processes for each state.
Educational resources
The following written resources present possible health issues and risks that LGBTQ people should be aware of:
- Ten Things Bisexuals Should Discuss With Their Healthcare Provider
- Ten Things Gay Men Should Discuss With Their Healthcare Provider
- Ten Things Transgender Persons Should Discuss With Their Health Care Providers
- Top 10 Things Lesbians Should Discuss With Their Healthcare Provider
For other patient education resources, visit our virtual library at www.msk.org/pe.
