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
-
Clinical Scorecard: Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation in LGB+ Medical Students with Disabilities
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Discrimination in medical education |
| Key Mechanisms | Intersection of sexual orientation and disability status |
| Target Population | LGB+ medical students with disabilities (MSWD) |
| Care Setting | Medical education |
Key Highlights
- LGB+ MSWD reported the highest rates of sexual-orientation–based discrimination.
- LGB+ students had 11-fold higher odds of denied opportunities compared to nondisabled heterosexual peers.
- LGB+ MSWD experienced 38-fold higher odds of offensive remarks.
- The study utilized data from over 45,000 graduating medical students.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Identify experiences of discrimination based on sexual orientation and disability.
Management
- Implement institutional practices to mitigate discrimination and support LGB+ MSWD.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Conduct future studies to investigate disability-related discrimination.
Risks
- Underreporting of discrimination due to stigma and fear.
Patient & Prescribing Data
LGB+ medical students with disabilities
Compounded impact of ableism and heteronormativity affects evaluations and opportunities.
Clinical Best Practices
- Ensure safe training environments for LGB+ MSWD.
- Examine mechanisms driving intersectional mistreatment.
Related Resources & Content
