News 12 spoke to doctors and patients at NYC Health & Hospitals/Lincoln Pride Health Center about how their hospital is breaking barriers for the LGBTQ+ community.

New York's state Health Department reported in 2022 that gay and trans New Yorkers are less likely to have insurance or a primary care doctor. The Center for American Progress reported that 8% of gay, lesbian and bisexual people say that a doctor has refused to see them because of their identity. That number is even higher for transgender people at 29%.

"That can basically discourage them from ever seeking care," says Dr. Hsun-Ming Simon Lu, the lead physician at NYC Health & Hospitals/Lincoln Pride Health Center.

Dr. Lu and the health officials at the center are looking to flip the narrative, offering counseling, hormone therapy and even gendgender-affirming surgeries.

As a gay Asian man, Dr. Lu jokingly calls himself a double minority and says these lived experiences help connect him to those he cares for.

"There is a next generation of physicians and care providers. We're here to accept as you are, who you are, how you appear and we're here to help you," says Dr. Lu.

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