Should medical providers ask patients their sexual orientation and gender identity?

“I wouldn’t want to be asked about my sexual orientation — not that I have anything to hide. But it’s not a necessary bit of information. But it’s appropriate to ask about gender identity. That’s an important piece of someone’s medical history. I wouldn’t be offended if a doctor asked me that.”

“Not sexual orientation. For some people, that would be off-putting. You don’t want to scare away some people from medical care. The advantages [of asking the question] would be outweighed by the disadvantages. But gender identity should be asked, because that’s medically relevant.”“Not sexual orientation. For some people, that would be off-putting. You don’t want to scare away some people from medical care. The advantages [of asking the question] would be outweighed by the disadvantages. But gender identity should be asked, because that’s medically relevant.”

“Yes. Those aren’t terrible questions to ask. It’s fine to have those questions on a medical form for people to answer, at their option. I wouldn’t be offended. It should be a standard form that’s given to everyone — so no one feels slighted or singled out for special treatment.”

“If the patient wants to volunteer the information, fine. But those are personal issues that don’t need to be asked by a doctor. If a person’s status is medically relevant, they can express it to the doctor. For example, a lesbian may find the information relevant to her gynecological treatment.”