LGBTQ+ Care and Support

At Children’s National Hospital, we support our LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning/queer) patients through a variety of programs and services:

The Youth Pride Clinic provides comprehensive primary, specialty and mental healthcare to youth and young adults between the ages of 12 to 21. We also provide high-quality health and wellness care in a safe and affirming environment for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth.
The Gender Development Program is our multidisciplinary program for transgender and gender-diverse youth and their families. Psychiatry, psychology, speech therapy, endocrinology and gynecology collaborate to help parents and gender-diverse youth navigate gender development through personalized assessments and care.
Children and teens who have gender dysphoria and autism spectrum characteristics (or related conditions) have access to our Gender and Autism Program.

If you are unsure of what services you need to seek for your child, contact our patient navigator at 202-476-5744.

Research Initiatives

Children's National research initiatives focus on topics including differences of sexual development and diverse populations. Learn about our ongoing efforts:

Career Opportunities at Children's National

Children's National is a supportive employer of LGBTQ+ people, and is committed to promoting openness and equality in the workplace. Our team continues to promote diversity in recruitment and advancement through multiple efforts including:

Developing community partnerships with organizations such as the D.C. Career Academy Network to increase our connection to diverse candidates
Charging search firms with shared responsibility to source and attract diverse candidates
Communicating and raising awareness of pathways for advancement at Children’s National
Creating a coaching and training program for diverse junior leaders, with executive mentorship

If you are interested in joining the Children's National team, please view our current job listings.

Important Things For You to Know About the Care We Provide

Care is individualized for each patient and always involves families making decisions in coordination with a team of highly trained pediatric specialists.
Parental consent is required to provide gender-affirming medical care to a minor in the District of Columbia.
Our medical care is directed by fully licensed, board-certified attending physicians and is consistent with the standard of care supported by leading medical organizations.
We do not provide gender-affirming surgery for anyone under the age of 18.
We do not provide hormone therapy to children before puberty begins.

Two girls making heart symbol with their hands

How to Support Your LGBTQ+ Child

When your child decides to "come out," which is the process where an individual shares his/her identity as a LGBTQ+ person, realize it is an act of courage and trust. Read more about how you can support your LGBTQ+ child on Rise and Shine, our health and wellness site for kids. Unsure of what services you need to seek? Contact our patient navigator at 202-476-5744.

Children's National Received the Designation of LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader

Children's National is dedicated to creating safe and quality experiences for all our patients and staff, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. We believe in providing compassionate and competent healthcare to all individuals.

View the Healthcare Equality Index