The physical environment and casual interactions of a healthcare space can have a huge impact on patients. It can make people feel more comfortable and at ease, or it can make a person tense up even want to leave.

Youths’ experiences in healthcare settings often determine whether they follow healthcare providers’ advice or return for further care. LGBTQIA+ people expect to face prejudice, discrimination, and lack of competence in healthcare settings; which often leads to hesitancy to access care or disclose LGBTQIA+ status (inhibiting comprehensive care). 

Practical barriers to accessing care due to LGBTQIA+ youths’ identities (e.g., lack of family support, increased risk of insecure housing) may compound these difficulties.