Ethics in Caring for Sexual and Gender Minority Patients

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations face multiple health and healthcare disparities. A growing body of research has focused on the unique skin health needs of SGM persons and the role of dermatologists in providing care to SGM patients. Socioeconomic inequities, stigma, discrimination, and distrust of the healthcare system further exacerbate disparities to accessing comprehensive dermatologic care. This chapter will review examples of clinical and ethical issues that may arise in providing comprehensive dermatologic care to SGM persons, such as contraception and isotretinoin treatment for acne, gender-affirming dermatologic procedures, and counseling regarding illicit filler injections.