## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) Raise Awareness # 6 Essential Tips for the LGBTQ+ Parkinson’s Community May 30, 2023 ![Two women holding hands, looking at a laptop](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/6-tips-lgbtq-blogo.jpg?itok=oMH4pZOc) When it comes to Parkinson’s disease (PD), members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and other sexual identities (LGBTQ+) community are more likely to face unique challenges when seeking health care and treatment. Read on to learn how PD affects the [LGBTQ+ community](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/lgbtq "LGBTQ+ & Parkinson’s") and tips for living well. ### 1. Assess your thoughts and feelings. Stigma and discrimination against people in the LGBTQ+ community is an ongoing problem that may hinder individuals in the community from seeking care for health issues, including Parkinson’s. Research shows that members of the LGBTQ+ community are less likely to tell doctors if they are in a same-sex marriage or partnership out of fear of discrimination, and 50% of the transgender community reports being previously mistreated by medical providers. Know there are [resources](/resources-support "Resources & Support") available to support you. Our partner, [SAGE](https://www.sageusa.org/), provides advocacy and services for LGBTQ+ elders to help you seek the care you need. #### LGBTQ+ & Parkinson’s Learn more about care concerns, research, mental health and more when it comes to the LGBTQ+ Parkinson’s community. [READ MORE](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/lgbtq) ![LGBTQ+ & Parkinson’s](/sites/default/files/styles/298x194/public/images/lgbtq.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=4HcOsydq) ### 2. Find a Parkinson’s doctor you trust. Trust between a doctor and patient is an essential aspect of quality, comprehensive care. **Remember it is always a voluntary, personal choice to disclose your sexual orientation and/or gender identity to your healthcare providers.** For advice on how to navigate this discussion: - Read [Coming Out to Your Doctor](https://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out-to-your-doctor) by the Human Rights Campaign. - Watch our [LGBTQ+PD webinar](https://youtu.be/zhFs0Ee4-q0) to learn how LGBTQ+ individuals can advocate for themselves within the health and aging system. For all people with Parkinson’s, it is important to share any non-PD health-related issues with your [care team](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/building-your-team "Building Your Care Team"). This information can help facilitate your future care plan and adjust PD treatments as needed with interdisciplinary care. For transgender individuals receiving gender-affirming hormones, you may want to discuss your hormone therapy with your doctor. Testosterone has not been found to affect Parkinson’s symptoms, but the effects of estrogen are inconclusive. ### 3. Prioritize your mental health. Research shows that LGBTQ+ people experience higher rates of [anxiety](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/anxiety "Anxiety"), [depression](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression") and body image issues compared to the general population. Anxiety and depression are also Parkinson’s [symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms "Non-Movement Symptoms"), so prioritizing [mental health](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health "Emotional & Mental Health") is essential for LGBTQ+ individuals in the PD community. Find a support system that works for you: - See a counselor. - Attend an [exercise class](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth#ff). - Take time to practice [mindfulness](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth#mm). - Check out our [PD Health @ Home Mental Wellness Series](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDGRDRM479GsTghKCjXGVTCxkaCPC0nLG) for more tips to boost your mental health. ### 4. Stay social. People with Parkinson’s often experience [isolation](/library/podcast/111 "Episode 111: Alone in a Crowd: Overcoming Isolation") due to intrusive symptoms. Isolation can be even more common for LGBTQ+ individuals living with PD, who are more likely to be estranged or disconnected from their biological family. Here are some ways to [stay connected](https://youtu.be/PwqcBeIPljA): - Find an LGBTQ+ support group near you. If no in-person options are available, try joining a virtual group. - Use our [Guide for Support Group Leaders ](/library/books/support-group-leader-guide "Support Group Leader Guide")to start your own support group. - Read about one of our community grant recipients, “[Parkinson’s Pride](/blog/awareness/parkinsons-pride "Parkinson’s Pride: Helping the LGBTQ+ PD Community"),” to learn how social interaction can help you live well with PD. ### 5. Engage in research. The LGBTQ+ community is underrepresented in Parkinson’s research at all levels including clinical, epidemiological and translational. Of the limited studies conducted, researchers have found that discrimination and stigma are barriers to accessing care. Additionally, 33% of older members of the LGBTQ+ community report experiencing stigma from doctor, leading to medical mistrust. To improve treatment and access to care, there need to be more representative efforts to include LGBTQ+ people in Parkinson’s research and population studies. Explore [ongoing PD research opportunities](/advancing-research/join-study "Join A Study"). ### 6. Find a LGBTQ+ friendly healthcare institution. Finding a healthcare provider you feel comfortable and safe sharing personal information with is vital. Many doctor’s offices provide LGBTQ-friendly language or signs as visual affirming cues to make you comfortable. The [Gay and Lesbian Medical Association](https://glma.org/find_a_provider.php) provides a directory of health care providers for those seeking LGBTQ+ friendly health professionals. You can also call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to specific Parkinson’s questions, local referrals and more. **Learn more about the** [**LGBTQ+ Parkinson’s community**](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/lgbtq "LGBTQ+ & Parkinson’s")**.** ## Related Blog Posts ![parkinsonspride-blog](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/parkinsonspride-blog.png?h=c12e0b96&itok=WzSgEOmR) Raise Awareness ### [ Parkinson’s Pride: Helping the LGBTQ+ PD Community ](/blog/awareness/parkinsons-pride) READ NOW ![2 women looking at ipad](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/raisingawareness-lgbtqneedsbettercare-blog.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=LTTEGj4u) Raise Awareness ### [ Raising Awareness: The LGBTQ+ Parkinson’s Community Needs Better Care ](/blog/awareness/lgbtq) READ NOW ![Couple sitting with a counselor](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/Build-Mental-Health-Team-Blog.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=__PULY-V) Raise Awareness ### [ Tips for Daily Living: Building Your Mental Health Team ](/blog/tips/building-mental-health-team) READ NOW [view all blogs](/resources-support/blog) ### PD Health @ Home Join us for new, weekly virtual wellness programs! Take part in one or all of our events that cover: mindfulness, interviews with experts and guided exercise. [VIEW EVENTS](/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn