Pride Month

Pride and Survivorship: LGBTQ+ Voices in Cancer Care and the Power of Community 

By Cervivor Communications Assistant Kyle Minnis

Every June, Pride Month celebrates the resilience, diversity, and strength of LGBTQ+ communities while shining a light on the work that remains to achieve true equity and inclusion.

June is also National Cancer Survivorship Month, a time to honor survivors, caregivers, advocates, and loved ones whose lives have been shaped by cancer.

For LGBTQ+ individuals, the cancer experience can come with unique challenges, including:

  • Healthcare disparities, such as discrimination, financial barriers, and fear of being misunderstood, judged, or misgendered.
  • Finding safe and affirming care, where patients feel respected, supported, and able to be themselves.
  • Misinformation and lack of representation, which can create barriers to screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

These barriers can have real consequences, contributing to missed screenings, delayed care, and poorer healthcare experiences. 

“At Cervivor, we believe every person affected by cancer deserves to be seen, heard, and affirmed exactly as they are, all year long,” says Tamika Felder, Cervivor Founder and Chief Visionary. “No one should have to choose between protecting their health and protecting their dignity.”

This Pride Month and National Cancer Survivorship Month, we’re sharing stories from LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and advocates whose experiences highlight the power of visibility, inclusive care, and community. 

LGBTQ+ Voices Across the Cancer Journey

One of the most powerful ways we can create change is by sharing our experiences. When LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and caregivers tell their stories, they help break down misconceptions, reduce stigma, and remind others that they are not alone.

Lea’s Story: When Care Includes Everyone

Lea Boone

For Lea Boone, a cervical cancer survivor and member of our Cervivor Pride community, one of the most important sources of strength throughout her cancer journey was the unwavering support of the people around her.

Family and friends rallied around her in meaningful ways, creating opportunities for connection and normalcy during a difficult time. “They planned weekly dinners, prayer sessions, game nights,” recalls Lea. “All of these gave me strength and encouragement.”

Her loved ones also helped her navigate the complexities of treatment by staying engaged in her care. They encouraged her to record medical appointments so they could listen, ask questions, and help her process information that might otherwise have been overwhelming.

Lea considers herself fortunate to have received care from providers who treated her and her partner with respect and inclusion. “Just because I am part of the LGBTQ+ community did not make me ‘different,'” she says. She appreciated that her healthcare team included her partner in conversations about recovery, aftercare, intimacy, and the physical and emotional changes that can follow treatment, recognizing the important role partners play in a patient’s healing and well-being. 

Her experience also highlights an often-overlooked aspect of cancer care: the needs of caregivers and family members. “Cancer affects everyone… the patient and the family,” she explains. She believes healthcare systems should do more to support the people who stand beside patients throughout treatment, recovery, and survivorship, as they often carry their own fears, questions, and emotional burdens along the way.

LaTasha’s Story: Creating Safer Spaces for Care

LaTasha Fisher

For LaTasha Fisher, an AYA Community & Remote Patient Navigator at the Ulman Foundation, creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and safe is both a professional and personal mission.

As a queer woman working closely with young adults navigating cancer care, LaTasha understands the unique barriers LGBTQIA+ individuals can face when it comes to cervical cancer screening and treatment. She notes that transgender men are less likely to receive routine screenings due to concerns ranging from gender dysphoria to fear of discrimination.

“Healthcare spaces can feel isolating for LGBTQIA+ patients, and sometimes seeing someone who signals support and advocacy can make a difficult experience feel a little less overwhelming,” she says.

LaTasha believes affirming care starts with creating an environment where patients feel respected and understood. She encourages providers to use inclusive intake forms, respect chosen names and pronouns, and communicate clearly about procedures and care decisions.

“A few ways that healthcare professionals can show up better for this community are to make sure forms include space for chosen names and pronouns, ensure those preferences are updated across all systems, and train staff on the importance of using them correctly,” she explains.

For LaTasha, building trust and visibility within healthcare settings is everyone’s responsibility. “Everyone should be doing their part, and my hope is that in doing so, you will inspire others to do the same.”

Craig’s Story: Trust, Visibility, and Better Outcomes

Craig Lustig

For Craig Lustig, a long-term brain cancer survivor, advocate, and host of the podcast Cancer Rebranded, cancer has always been just one part of a much larger story. “Just because you have cancer doesn’t mean that you are cancer,” he says. 

Diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at age 27, Craig learned firsthand how difficult it can be when important parts of a person’s identity go unrecognized during cancer treatment. As a gay man undergoing treatment in the early 1990s, much of his care took place in pediatric oncology, where he was surrounded by children and teens and found few opportunities to discuss his experiences as a young adult or a member of the LGBTQ+ community. 

“This was a time when HIV/AIDS was a huge concern for gay men and the broader gay community,” Craig recalls. “While I wouldn’t say I experienced homophobia in a direct way, I felt uncomfortable in that environment when it came to my sexuality and being open about who I was. It was the right place for me to be treated, but it was very isolating.”  

That experience shaped his belief that trust is essential in cancer care, particularly for LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and patients. “When you have a life-threatening disease like cancer, being comfortable with your healthcare provider and able to be fully candid leads to better outcomes,” he says.

Craig recommends greater understanding among providers. “We need ongoing communication and education between the cancer care community and LGBTQ+ patients to build trust and ensure that queer cancer patients receive the same high-quality care — free from bias or judgment — that every patient deserves.”

Laura’s Story: Love, Advocacy, and Being Seen

Dr. Laura Porter in front of the Golden Gate Bridge

For Dr. Laura D. Porter, MD, FASCO, a Stage IV colon cancer survivor and Medical Affairs Consultant, survivorship and advocacy have been deeply intertwined since her own diagnosis.

Diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer in 2003 while completing her pediatric residency, her life and medical training were abruptly interrupted. After two recurrences, she became cancer-free in 2006 — a turning point that led her to patient advocacy and oncology research support work.

Looking back, Dr. Porter credits her chosen family and broader support network with helping her through treatment.

“I had an incredible support system… I was never alone the first year after my diagnosis,” she shares. “My family, including my extended family and friends from medical school, residency and from a 12-step program, all showed up to ease the burden of the diagnosis and treatments. I felt so loved and supported.”

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she also faced additional barriers while navigating cancer care with her partner at the time, now wife. “One of the most difficult parts of the journey was all the paperwork that was required for Bonnie to be considered my next of kin,” she recalls. “At times it was a burden, trying to explain why she should be able to stay and making sure all the correct paperwork was done.”

Her personal and professional experiences have deepened her commitment to ensuring patients feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their care. “I have been very vocal and active in sharing my story, and my medical training and experience helped me support others going through the same process,” she says. “I have always been OUT and about, but when we were able to get married it legitimized our relationship.”

Today, as her wife faces her own battle with metastatic lung cancer, Dr. Porter sees firsthand how legal recognition can shape the caregiving experience. “I am her wife, and I am her next of kin. I have to manage everything… and on the days that it is difficult, I can rest in the knowledge that I am her wife and no one can take that away.”

Dr. Porter (right) and wife, Bonnie (left)

Resources and Community for LGBTQ+ Cancer Survivors

The stories shared here reflect the diversity of LGBTQ+ experiences across the cancer continuum. While some individuals face barriers to screening, treatment, or affirming care, others, like Lea and Laura, demonstrate what is possible when healthcare providers recognize and respect the whole person — including their identity, relationships, and support systems.

Finding Community Through Cervivor

If you’re an LGBTQ+ cancer survivor, patient, caregiver, advocate, or loved one, know this: Your story matters. Your experiences are valid. Your voice deserves to be heard.

We invite you to join our private LGBTQ+ Facebook group (for more info, contact Cervivor Pride Lead Karen North), or apply to attend our upcoming Gynecologic Cancer Survivors Retreat & Advocacy Training powered by Cervivor School.

Looking for more stories, insights, and resources? Explore these Cervivor articles and discussions focused on LGBTQ+ experiences in cancer care and survivorship:

While Pride Month shines an important spotlight on LGBTQ+ experiences, the work of creating welcoming, affirming spaces for people affected by cancer continues year-round. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, caregiver, advocate, survivor, or ally, you can help by:

  • Listening to and amplifying LGBTQ+ survivor and caregiver voices.
  • Respecting and using a person’s chosen name and pronouns.
  • Avoiding assumptions about someone’s gender, sexual orientation, relationships, or healthcare needs.
  • Using inclusive, person-centered language.
  • Advocating for healthcare environments where everyone feels safe, respected, and welcome.
  • Learning about the unique challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face in cancer care and survivorship.

Together, we can continue building a community where everyone affected by cervical cancer feels seen, supported, and empowered.

Because cancer doesn’t discriminate. And neither should support.

About the Author

The image is a portrait of a young man with dark skin and short, curly black hair. He is wearing a blue collared shirt and black-framed glasses, and is smiling at the camera. The man has dark skin and short, curly black hair. His hair is cut close to his head, with a slight fade at the sides. His eyebrows are thick and well-groomed. He is wearing a blue collared shirt. The shirt is a medium blue color and appears to be made of a lightweight material. It has a relaxed fit and is buttoned up to the top. He is also wearing black-framed glasses. The frames are rectangular in shape and have a subtle curve at the temples. The lenses are clear and do not appear to have any tint or coating. The man is smiling at the camera. His smile is wide and genuine, showing off his white teeth. His eyes are crinkled at the corners, giving him a friendly and approachable appearance. The background of the image is a plain gray color. The gray is a medium tone, neither too light nor too dark. It provides a neutral backdrop that allows the subject to stand out. Overall, the image presents a friendly and approachable young man who appears to be confident and comfortable in front of the camera

Kyle Minnis is a recent graduate of Strategic Communications at the University of Kansas with a passion for digital media, storytelling, and audience engagement. He has experience in content strategy and media production. Kyle is especially interested in the intersection of media, branding, and digital growth.

Pride and Prevention: Breaking Down Barriers to Cervical Cancer Care for LGBTQIA+ Communities

By Kyle Minnis, Cervivor Communications Intern

Today, an estimated one million LGBTQIA+ cancer survivors live in the United States—a fraction of the nation’s nearly 19 million survivors. But behind that number lies an alarming reality: Queer and trans individuals face higher rates of late-stage diagnoses, limited access to screening, lower insurance coverage, and deep-rooted mistrust in the medical system. Experts warn these disparities may worsen before they improve.

At Cervivor, Inc., we believe every cervix matters. This Pride Month, we’re shining a light on the barriers queer and trans individuals face in accessing cervical cancer care—and how we can work together to break them down. (Missed part one of the series? Read the powerful stories of four courageous Cervivor Pride community members.)

Mounting Setbacks in LGBTQIA+ Cancer Care Access

Over the past year, federal datasets on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) have quietly been removed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) websites, setting back critical research and advocacy efforts. Carter Steger, Vice President at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), calls the change “unclear and alarming.”

The setbacks go beyond data. Dr. Mandi Pratt-Chapman, a leading LGBTQIA+ health researcher at the George Washington University Cancer Center, reports that all National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded LGBTQIA+ research grants—including her own—have been terminated. “We can’t just flip the switch back on,” she warns. “The infrastructure has already been dismantled.”

Carter Steger
Dr. Mandi Chapman-Pratt

At the same time, state-level legislation is emboldening discrimination in healthcare. The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Skrmetti upheld states’ rights to deny gender-affirming care to minors, raising broader concerns about refusals of service.

“Before this immense backlash on LGBTQIA+ civil rights, we were finally making progress,” says Dr. Pratt-Chapman. “As a society, we collectively said—you are part of our community! Now, that message of inclusion and protection—indeed, actual protection—is being torn away in a deliberately hurtful and terrifying way.”

Safe Spaces Are Shrinking—and Medical Mistrust Is Growing

According to ACS CAN’s latest Survivor Views survey, 58% of LGBTQ+ cancer patients fear the current political climate could directly impact their access to care. Nearly half worry that providers may consider it “too risky” to treat them due to state laws.

Cervivor Pride lead Karen North puts it bluntly: “I’m scared. They’re coming for people like me—my identity, my rights.”

Cervivor Ambassador Gilma Pereda, whose adult daughter is a trans woman, shares similar fears: “Being a transgender young woman and neurodivergent is a very bad combo in today’s political climate. I’m terrified. We have a plan B—moving to Mexico City, where I’m from, for universal healthcare. She’s not on board yet, but it’s our last resort.”

Karen with her “chemo blanket” during treatment.
Gilma after shaving her head during a metastatic cancer recurrence.

This anxiety is becoming more common. “People are trying to move to blue states or Europe,” says Dr. Scout, Executive Director of the National LGBT Cancer Network. “We’re watching our safe spaces and experts disappear before our eyes.”

Even in well-meaning systems, barriers persist. Intake forms often lack inclusive options for sexual orientation and gender identity. Most medical students receive fewer than five hours of LGBTQIA+ health education in their entire training. And in response to political pressure, some hospitals have quietly removed LGBTQIA+-affirming content from their websites to avoid backlash or funding threats.

Dr. Scout

The result? Deepening medical mistrust. “For too many of us, the core issue is not knowing whether a provider will treat us with dignity,” says Dr. Scout. “The simple fix is for more providers to make that clear—somewhere visible—so we can get past the mistrust and through the door.”

This fear often leads to skipped care. Lesbians without trusted OB-GYNs are less likely to get screenings like Pap tests or mammograms. Transgender men may avoid gynecologic care entirely.

But small signals of safety can make a big difference. A name tag with pronouns. A “You’re Safe With Me” sign. According to Dr. Scout, LGBTQIA+ patients are nearly seven times more likely to rate their care as “very good” when they see visible signs that their identity will be respected. 

Gilma highlights “small but meaningful changes” she’s seen at her healthcare provider in progressive California. “The clinic I go to used to be called the ‘Women’s Clinic,’ but now it says ‘Gynecology and Obstetrics,’” she says. (The word “women” can be triggering for many trans men and LGBTQIA+ patients.) “I also remember a sign at reception that said something like, ‘If you don’t feel comfortable waiting in this room, please let us know and we’ll move you.’ I wish I had taken a picture—it really stood out to me.”

The Financial Cost of Care

For many queer and trans people, even seeking healthcare comes with roadblocks—starting with insurance. According to the Cancer Network, LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to have health coverage, often because employers don’t extend benefits to unmarried domestic partners. This gap is even wider for transgender individuals, who have the lowest insurance coverage rates of any group.

Even with insurance, coverage is not guaranteed. Transgender patients may be denied access to gender-relevant care—such as Pap tests for trans men with a cervix—if it doesn’t match the gender on their insurance card. These mismatches can delay or deny vital screenings.

Gilma knows just how rare affirming, comprehensive care can be. “We’re very privileged to have Kaiser [in the Bay Area],” she says, noting how her daughter was able to update her name and gender in the system and receive respectful care. “That’s not the case everywhere.”

Women in same-sex relationships face similar challenges. They’re less likely to have a regular healthcare provider, often citing cost as a barrier—leading to lower screening rates for mammograms, Pap tests, and colonoscopies, which raises the risk of late-stage diagnoses.

Government safety nets like Medicaid help fill these gaps, but even they’re under threat. “When I got cervical cancer, I was on Medicaid,” says Karen. “That’s what allowed me to get treatment. If Medicaid cuts continue—if the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program goes away—that’s terrifying. That program saved my life.”

Karen is referring to the 30-year-old public health initiative that has provided life-saving screenings to women with low incomes and limited insurance. Now, that vital lifeline is at risk. Dr. Pratt-Chapman echoes the concern, warning that proposed cuts could also eliminate federal cancer registries—undermining efforts to prevent cancer and catch it early.

Despite these threats, a legal win offers a glimmer of hope. In the recent APHA v. NIH case, U.S. District Judge William G. Young of Massachusetts deemed the Trump administration’s termination of hundreds of NIH research grants “arbitrary and capricious,” and therefore “void and illegal.” He stated these cuts “represent racial discrimination and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community,” ordering the restoration of nearly $3.8 billion across 367 affected projects for the time being.

Building a New Kind of Safety Net

Even as the landscape grows more fractured and unpredictable, people are still planting new flags—big, bold, rainbow ones.

Organizations like ACS CAN and the Cancer Network are strongly advocating for inclusive legislation. This includes the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA), which would require the collection of data on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in federal health surveys, and the Equality Act, which would explicitly ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics across all sectors, including healthcare.

ACS CAN’s LGBTQIA+ and Allies Engagement Group

These policy fights are being matched by boots-on-the-ground action. ACS CAN’s LGBTQIA+ & Allies Engagement Group supports strategy development, educates advocates, and ensures queer visibility in campaigns and Pride events. In 2025, the organization will appear at more than 60 Pride events across 32 states. 

The group also recently hosted a virtual screening of Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer, a powerful documentary following two transmasculine individuals navigating breast and ovarian cancer care, sparking dialogue about gender, inclusion, and systemic change.

Training efforts are also expanding. GW Cancer Center’s TEAM training offers free, online education for healthcare providers looking to improve LGBTQIA+ cancer care, and a new version, TEAM SGM, aims to provide a deeper dive for oncology-specific scenarios. The Cancer Network also provides Welcoming Spaces training, helping providers build physical and emotional environments where patients feel respected, affirmed, and safe.

Take Action: Stand With the LGBTQIA+ Cancer Community

This is a critical moment. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and neither should the systems designed to help us survive it.

The challenges are real, but they are not insurmountable—and they are not going unnoticed.

“I want to be in that group of people,” says Dr. Pratt-Chapman. “The ones history celebrates for standing up when it got hard. Hate shrinks the world. Love is expansive. Love brings life.”

What can you do?

  • Contact your elected officials today to protect and expand funding for cancer research, Medicaid, and programs like the Early Detection Program. Take action at act.fightcancer.org.
  • Encourage local clinics and hospitals to provide LGBTQIA+ cultural competency training. Providers can join programs like TEAM or Welcoming Spaces.
  • If you’re a patient or survivor, share your story—you never know who needs to hear it.