For Patients & Families

Dana-Farber's commitment to equity and equality for LGBTQ+ patients is a critical aspect of our Institute's overall leadership in diversity and patient rights.

We deliver on our commitment to treating LGBTQ+ patients with the same dignity and quality of care that all our patients deserve through policies like these:

• Equal visitation: Dana-Farber's visitation policy is focused on creating a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment for our patients, families, visitors, and staff while respecting the healthcare needs and confidentiality of our patients. A support person is defined as any person present to support the patient during their visit, including same-sex significant others and domestic partners. There is no requirement that the support person be legally related to the patient.
• Non-discrimination: Dana-Farber's "Patient Rights and Responsibilities" affirms our commitment to serving all patients, and states specifically that this is without regard to sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. Read our full "Rights and Responsibilities" statement.
• Diverse workforce: As an employer, Dana-Farber affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment, and states specifically that this is without regard to sex, gender identity/expression, or genetic information. Read our full non-discrimination statement.
• Right to self-identification: Dana-Farber's electronic medical record provides the option to record sexual orientation, assigned sex at birth, and current gender identity, and staff are trained in how to collect this information appropriately and respectfully.

Anna's Story

When my partner and I first met with my social worker at Dana-Farber, Kelly Giles, she told us that her job was to help us stay strong and connected as a family unit. This acknowledgement of us, as a family, allowed us to focus on my diagnosis, treatment, and recovery and never once worry about being accepted for anything than what we were, a family. We were just like any other family, and that normalcy was so powerful. My oncologist, social worker, chemo nurse, and lab nurse not only made us feel comfortable and accepted but helped us find strength on the hard days and celebrated with us on the joyous days.

— Anna