Especially for LGBT Students

(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Queer, Intersex Students and Students who prefer no labels at all.)

We welcome you to Gannett. We will make every effort to support your healthcare needs, your identity and your sexual choices. We know that students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer or intersex may have specific concerns about confidentiality, sensitivity, and inclusive health care. We also know that some students may partner sexually with individuals of the same sex, but not identify with any of the terms listed above. Sexuality, gender and identity are complex, intimate and evolving components of how we see ourselves and how we present ourselves to others. It is our hope that you will feel comfortable sharing information with staff about yourself as it pertains to your health care needs, concerns and questions.

If you are having same sex attraction or find you are in conflict with the gender assigned to you at birth, you may be especially concerned and uncomfortable talking with a healthcare provider about these issues. It may even mean talking about them for the very first time. You should know that clinicians and nurses at Gannett will maintain confidentiality and are sensitive to the fact that some patients may be reluctant to share this information. If you are seeking a sexual health consult, we encourage you to confide in your healthcare provider about your sexual relationships and gender issues so they can give you the best possible care; the care that you deserve.

For men who have sex with men (MSM)

There have been several sexual health items in the news in 2008 that are important to men who have sex with men. Read our fact sheet (pdf). You may have heard that recent data shows some regional areas (big cities like New York and Chicago) are experiencing increasing numbers of some sexually transmissible infections such as syphilis and HIV. Gannett clinicians watch the media reports carefully and make every effort to be sensitive to concerns that may be heightened by national reports. If you think you may have been exposed to an STI, or would like to be tested to be sure, please call us and make an appointment (255-5155). If you think you have symptoms that may be related to an STI, a clinician visit will be recommended. 

Trans and intersex  issues

Gannett is committed to providing comprehensive, integrated care for the trans community. Medical services, including hormone prescriptions, are provided under the direction of Alexandra Hall MD with support from Dr. James MacMillan and Dr. AJ Rubineau. Counseling services are provided under the direction of Karen Williams, PhD with support from Lynn Gerstein, MSW and Dr. Anna Matusiewicz, psychiatrist. Appointments can be made by calling 255-5155 for medical services and 255-5208 for counseling services.

We understand that gender is a complex mix of cultural, biological and psychological factors. Gannett uses an integrative health model that can assist individuals with information and support related to gender conformity and identity. There are excellent websites that address some of these issues.  If you are  transitioning from one gender presentation to another or are in an intimate relationship with someone who is transitioning and you will be seeking healthcare at Gannett, you may want to talk first with the Patient Advocate about your particular needs or to arrange a special consultation on these matters.

Bias or homophobia/transphobia concerns

We recognize that there is a wide range of reactions to LGBT people. Not knowing how someone will react can be stressful. In some instances, people feel harassed or threatened by others who object to the fact they are with someone of the same sex or because they are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered. At Cornell there are policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and other factors. If you feel targeted by negative or threatening language, harassed or made to feel unsafe in any way because you are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, there is a campus-wide bias reporting team that can provide information about what to do. You can also discuss incidents with the Victim Advocate.

Gannett staff make every effort to attend to all students' sexual health needs in a compassionate and understanding manner. Please feel free to voice any specific concerns you may have about confidentiality, sensitivity and inclusive health care to our Patient Advocate.

Our goal is to provide comprehensive sexual health information that will be of interest to those who partner with individuals of the same sex and those who do not meet the traditional notions of what it means to be male or female. Please help us keep these pages relevant to our diverse constituents by making suggestions about the kinds of health information you would like to see here. Contact our sexual health educator with suggestions and web links.