I met a patient today who I see for routine care, a cishet person in their 60s. I had a student with me, and at the end of the visit they asked if I would talk to them alone.

The patient proceeded to ask me how I identified in terms of my own sexual orientation. I disclose my NB identity, but generally my SO I keep to myself.

I acknowledged the patient’s inquiry and said that I keep that part of my identity personal, but I appreciated that they were asking from a place of goodness and respect.

I asked them why they posed that question to me. I learned that their grandchild had recently disclosed same-sex attraction and the patient wanted to know “When do you know (that you are gay, bi, etc.)

They did not question their grandchild’s identity. Instead, they wanted to know how to support them. We had a talk about sexuality and attraction and identity development as well as how to support LGBTQ youth.

I sent them home with literature about @PFLAG_Cleveland @LGBTCleveland and @ColorsPlusYC and told them to talk to me again any time if they wanted too.

So the take home of this long thread is that any visit can be about LGBTQ health LGBTQ health issues can affect everyone and health professionals can be there to support LGBTQ people and those who them.

I was really glad to be at work today and be there for this patient and their family.