It’s important for every person with cancer, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, to find an oncologist whom they trust, feel comfortable with, and feel respected by. The history of discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community, both in the United States and around the world, highlights why it is important for LGBTQ+ people to have an oncologist who is both culturally sensitive to the patients’ needs and who is an ally to LGBTQ+ people in general.

Gwendolyn P. Quinn, PhD, professor in NYU Langone’s Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Population Health, speaks with Cancer.Net on why having an oncologist who’s an LGBTQ+ ally is important and how you can find a trusted provider for your care.

“When the care team is not culturally sensitive, the person with cancer may feel stigma, shame, discrimination, and a lack of trust,” says Dr. Quinn. “Sexual and gender minority people with cancer who feel uncomfortable may not disclose information that is important for their care, such as their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Read more from Cancer.Net.