Directory
of Family Building Services for Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)
People 2010-2011
The Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project is pleased to provide the 2009 edition of its Directory of Family Building Services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) People. The Directory is designed to assist LGBT people in upstate New York find health and human service providers that will help them build and strengthen their families.
LGBT people face special challenges in their efforts to plan and sustain their families. Among those challenges is the fear, often based on previous experience, that they will encounter negative or insensitive responses from service providers. The Directory permits LGBT people in upstate New York to identify and access service providers that will be sensitive to their needs.
Each of the organizations and providers listed is either explicitly LGBT-affirming or has signed a consent stating that “listing in the Directory makes a statement to LGBT individuals and couples that
they deserve and can expect caring and sensitive service from my/our organization.”
We welcome additional referrals and provider listings, feedback on your experiences with these providers, and reader suggestions on how to improve the Directory. Please contact the Family Building Project by letter, phone, fax or email with your input.
The Provider Interview
Health care providers differ in the treatments options they offer, their attitudes toward health care and their experience with the LGBT community. Although the providers listed in our Directory of Family Building Services for LGBT People have affirmed that they are welcoming to LGBT people, some may have more knowledge and experience in LGBT family issues than others. It is a good idea to interview potential providers in order to find one that fits the needs of your family.
Possible Provider Interview Questions:
— What are your locations and hours? How do I contact you in an emergency?
— What style of providing health care do you practice? How involved is the patient in the treatment plan?
— How do you feel about LGBT parents? Have you had any experience with LGBT-led families?
— What are your rates for a standard visit? What kinds of payment plans are available? Is my insurance accepted?