Abstract
Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) experience critical barriers to health care access
and have unique health care needs that are often overlooked. Given the rise in individuals
identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, colorectal surgeons
are likely to care for increasing numbers of such individuals. Here, we discuss key
barriers to health care access and research among SGM populations and outline approaches
to address these barriers in clinical practice. We also highlight two specific topics
relevant to SGM populations that colorectal surgeons should be familiar with: current
approaches to anal cancer screening among men who have sex with men, and transgender
individuals, as well as the management of recto-neovaginal fistula in transfeminine
individuals.
Keywords
LGBT - rectovaginal fistula - vaginoplasty - anal cancer - gender-affirming care
