If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you shouldn’t have to worry whether you or your loved ones will be treated with respect during your care. At Memorial Sloan Kettering, we take the concerns of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities very seriously and work hard to create an environment in which everyone who walks through our doors feels welcome.
LGBTQ+ people treated at MSK can expect culturally sensitive, medically competent care from all of our healthcare practitioners. Read our nondiscrimination statement and visitor policy.
Chasity Walters, Director of Patient and Caregiver Engagement, is an advocate for our transgender patients and is specifically trained to respond to concerns affecting the transgender community. She is a valuable resource for MSK patients and caregivers who have questions or concerns about the healthcare needs of trans individuals. Please contact our staff for more information.
HRC Recognition
Since 2013, Memorial Sloan Kettering has been recognized as a leader in the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) compiled by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The HEI is regarded as the national benchmarking tool for hospitals and healthcare institutions and their practices relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer patients and employees.
Organizations are evaluated based on five core criteria:
- nondiscrimination and staff training
- patient services and support
- employee benefits and policies
- patient and community engagement
- responsible citizenship
MSK is proud to once again receive this distinction. Learn more about the Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index.
For more information about LGBTQ+ support at MSK, email lgbtpride@mskcc.org.
LGBTQ+ -friendly Providers
Meet a few of our providers who may be knowledgeable about the healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ people. Read bios.
Patient Resources
Cancer can affect anyone, but LGBTQ+ people have unique risk factors. Throughout the treatment continuum of care, and at all MSK treatment sites, oncology social workers are available to assist all LGBTQ patients, their families and friends with any issues they may be having. The Department of Social Work can connect you with the appropriate staff by calling this number- 212-639-7020. The links below can help you make more informed decisions about your health.
For specific questions about your care as a transgender patient at MSK, you may reach out to the Trans Patient Advocate at lgbtpride@mskcc.org.
Support Groups and Community Organizations
Additional resources for LGBTQ+ people and their families can be found in the following local, state, and national organizations:
MSK
NYC and NY State
- The Lesbian Cancer Initiative: 212-620-7310
- Cancer Care
- NYS Health Foundation
National
Resources for Healthcare Providers
MSK faculty are leaders in training and educating healthcare professionals about LGBTQ+ issues.