Sexual Orientation–Related Discrimination Among LGB+ Medical Students With Disabilities - Report - MDSpire

Sexual Orientation–Related Discrimination Among LGB+ Medical Students With Disabilities

  • By

  • Zoie C. Sheets

  • Mytien Nguyen

  • Jasmine K.M. Lopez

  • Amy Addams

  • Christopher J. Moreland

  • Dowin Boatright

  • Lisa M. Meeks

  • June 2, 2026

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Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation in LGB+ Medical Students with Disabilities

Overview

This study reveals that LGB+ medical students with disabilities experience significantly higher rates of discrimination based on sexual orientation compared to their nondisabled heterosexual peers.

Background

Discrimination in medical education affects students based on various identities, including sexual orientation and disability. Understanding the experiences of LGB+ medical students with disabilities is essential to address these inequities.

Data Highlights

GroupOdds Ratio (OR)95% Confidence Interval (CI)
LGB+ denied opportunities6.445.14-8.07
MSWD denied opportunities1.851.38-2.48
LGB+ offensive remarks/names23.7020.48-27.43
MSWD offensive remarks/names1.661.38-1.99
LGB+ lower evaluations/grades9.937.82-12.62
MSWD lower evaluations/grades1.781.30-2.44

Key Findings

  • LGB+ medical students reported 6.44 times higher odds of being denied opportunities due to sexual orientation.
  • MSWD reported 1.85 times higher odds of being denied opportunities compared to their peers.
  • LGB+ students faced 23.70 times higher odds of receiving offensive remarks or names.
  • LGB+ MSWD experienced 11-fold higher odds of denied opportunities compared to nondisabled heterosexual students.
  • LGB+ MSWD reported 17-fold higher odds of receiving lower evaluations or grades due to sexual orientation.
  • Multiple discrimination types were reported at 21.15 times higher odds for LGB+ MSWD compared to nondisabled heterosexual students.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate a need for medical education institutions to recognize the challenges faced by LGB+ students with disabilities.

Conclusion

This study highlights the discrimination faced by LGB+ medical students with disabilities.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Discrimination Experiences Among Medical Students | Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation in LGB+ Medical Students with Disabilities
  2. The ASCO Post — Chronic Health Conditions May Be Prevalent Among LGB Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
  3. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Distribution of mental health diagnoses in relation to sexual orientation and gender discontent in a late adolescent community population
  4. The ASCO Post — High Burden of Chronic Health Conditions, Disability, and Cognitive and Physical Limitations Reported in LGBTQ+ Cancer Survivors
  5. The ASCO Post — Biden Administration Reverses Rule Limiting Access to Equitable Cancer Care for Sexual and Gender Minority Community
  6. Chronic Health Conditions May Be Prevalent Among LGB Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
  7. Distribution of mental health diagnoses in relation to sexual orientation and gender discontent in a late adolescent community population
  8. High Burden of Chronic Health Conditions, Disability, and Cognitive and Physical Limitations Reported in LGBTQ+ Cancer Survivors
  9. 45 CFR § 92.1 - Purpose and effective date. | Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR) | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute
  10. ACGME Common Program Requirements (Residency)
  11. Discrimination Experiences Among Medical Students | Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

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