When I first was outed at age 14, I realized I would have to learn how to navigate a world that didn’t fully accept me. Part of that was figuring out how to access health care as a gay person and a minor at odds with his parents. Though my family knew of my sexuality, they didn’t accept it.

One study found that a third of the youth they sampled came out to their parents and were accepted, one third were rejected and the final third did not come out until their later teenage years and early 20s.

For health care providers to offer the best care they can, patients have to be open with them. This often includes being honest when talking about partners, the kinds of sex engaged in and what kind of protection was used. But, for this to happen, patients must also feel safe and comfortable in the presence of their doctor.

Many LGBTQ+ youth struggle to find safe and accepting health care providers while overcoming other barriers like a lack of insurance and transportation.

The stakes of getting this wrong are high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.6 million gay and bisexual students face significant disparities that put them at risk for negative health outcomes. LGBTQ+ youth are shown to have greater sexual health, physical safety and mental health risks compared to their straight counterparts.

Health care providers must do better. Right now, the health care industry is foundationally unprepared to offer equitable health care to the LGBTQ+ community; the only way this reality will change is if providers invest in the necessary resources.

At the minimum, prospective patients should be able to easily see on a provider’s website, social media and office spaces that LGBTQ+ patients are welcome. Resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are available to help educate providers about the needs of LGBTQ+ patients.

Andrew Baldino is a freelance content writer and search engine optimization specialist. He lives in coastal South Carolina. This column was produced by Progressive Perspectives, which is run by The Progressive magazine and distributed by Tribune News Service.