Why this matters
Identity has many parts. If you are LGBTQ person and a person of colour, identify as being from an ethnic minority, or from a low-income background, or live in an underserved area, or any other minority grouping, your cancer experience is shaped by layered challenges: racism, economic stress, lack of culturally competent care, barriers to insurance, transportation and trust.
Unique barriers
You may face greater skepticism or trust issues with providers because of past discrimination.
Economic barriers may affect your ability to get screening, travel for treatment, pay for out-of-pocket costs.
Cultural norms or language barriers may affect how you seek support or communicate with providers.
LGBTQ services may not reach into some communities of colour or low-income neighbourhoods.
Intersection of HIV status, incarceration, homelessness may raise additional risks for cancer and complicate care.
Tailored supports you should access
Find support groups that focus on LGBTQ people of colour (Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian) suffering cancer. Their lived experience will reflect yours.
Social service programs that assist with low-income cancer patients (transport vouchers, lodging, medication assistance) and also understand LGBTQ needs.
Advocate with your provider: “Because I am a racial/ethnic minority and LGBTQ, these are the barriers I face: ____. How can we work together to overcome them?”
Build a care team with cultural humility: provider that knows your sexuality/gender identity and culture.
Action plan for you
List the resources in your region for low-income cancer support (non-profits, state programs, LGBTQ-friendly agencies).
At each appointment ask: “Are there programs I might qualify for because of my identity or situation?”
Connect with LGBTQ people of colour survivors online or locally; you will learn shared tactics for accessing care and navigating systems.
Be open with your provider about your full identity so they can tailor screening, treatment and support based on your intersecting identities.