How OutCare is Rebuilding LGBTQ+ Trust in Healthcare

Posted in Customer Stories

OutCare Health is leading a national movement to make affirming, informed care the standard — not a privilege — for LGBTQ+ patients. During Pride Month, founder Dr. Dustin Nowaskie spoke to the Eko Health team about the realities of LGBTQ+ healthcare and how their organization is creating change in communities.


Every person deserves to be seen and respected in a healthcare setting. But for many LGBTQ+ individuals, that is still far from guaranteed. That’s where OutCare Health steps in.

"Affirming care is not a niche service — it’s essential healthcare. If someone doesn’t feel safe, they won’t come back. And that delay in care can have lifelong consequences."  

Founded by Dr. Dustin Nowaskie (they/them), OutCare is a nonprofit working to transform the healthcare landscape for LGBTQ+ people through provider training, peer support, community outreach, and research-driven advocacy.

Sobering statistics

In their conversation with Eko, Dr. Nowaskie shared how real-world LGBTQ+ experiences and data work together to shape OutCare’s approach to healthcare. According to their research:

  • 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ patients has faced discrimination from a healthcare provider or staff member.
  • 50% have experienced gaslighting in a healthcare setting.
  • LGBTQ+ people are 2 to 4 times more likely than their cisgender, heterosexual peers to experience poor communication, disrespect, and being misgendered during medical visits.
  • 20% report poor or very poor mental health, with many also facing additional barriers like disability or housing instability.
The health consequences
"I’ve cared for many people where I'm the first provider they've seen in 20, even 30 years, because of something that happened that long ago that was really profound on their healthcare."  

These experiences lead not just to mistrust, but to serious health risks.

Dr. Nowaskie noted that LGBTQ+ individuals face significantly higher rates of chronic health issues driven by disparities in physical activity, substance use, diet, sleep, and chronic stress. 

They shared that cardiovascular disease in LGBTQ+ populations occurs at twice the rate of cisgender heterosexual communities. 

“I’ve cared for many people where I'm the first provider they've seen in 20, even 30 years, because of something that happened that long ago that was really profound on their healthcare.” 

Transgender and gender-diverse patients also face unique clinical needs, especially when undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy. While these treatments are essential and overwhelmingly beneficial for mental health and quality of life, they can influence cardiovascular risk factors, highlighting the need for informed, ongoing care.

Yet many clinicians still lack the training or tools to offer that level of support.

A more inclusive approach

OutCare’s vision is a world where every LGBTQ+ person has access to quality, affirming care and feels empowered to live their healthiest, most authentic life. 

“Affirming care is not a niche service — it’s essential healthcare,” Dr. Nowaskie emphasized. “If someone doesn’t feel safe, they won’t come back. And that delay in care can have lifelong consequences.”

OutCare’s growing list of community-based resources includes:

  • LGBTQ+ healthcare training: Customized for clinicians and healthcare systems seeking to improve LGBTQ+ inclusivity
  • The OutList: a vetted directory of LGBTQ+ affirming providers
  • OutPosts blog: articles that provide insights, perspectives on the latest LGBTQ+ news and healthcare issues
  • OutTalk webinar series: a forum for LGBTQ+ healthcare leaders, educators, and community members to come together and engage in meaningful discussions about important topics in LGBTQ+ health equity
  • Community resources database: a vetted directory of LGBTQ+ healthcare resources
  • Mentorship program: mentoring for LGBTQ+ people, fostering safe, welcoming, affirming spaces and relationships
  • LGBTQ+ research: research opportunities and publications on diversity and healthcare disparities
A way forward

When LGBTQ+ patients can access affirming care, outcomes improve. And when providers are given the tools and education to deliver that care, entire systems grow stronger.

OutCare’s model is proving that with education, empathy, and commitment, healthcare can become safer, more inclusive, and more effective for everyone.

At Eko, we’re proud to support OutCare and other organizations dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ health equity.

We believe that every person deserves care rooted in respect, empathy, and clinical excellence — and we’re committed to helping clinicians deliver it.

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