It is no secret that the current sociopolitical moment is proving extremely challenging and difficult for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Navigating the contours of this moment requires the support of dedicated, empathetic allies. We invite the CHEST membership to form a goal around allyship for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community—and this is why.

Medical professionals are empathetic, natural carers with knowledge, resources, and influence that position them to serve as allies for those in marginalized communities. An “ally” is simply a person who can be relied upon to provide assistance and support for a member of a marginalized community but is not a member of that community themselves.

Medical professionals can demonstrate allyship for the LGBTQIA+ community in many ways. As educators, we can ensure our curricula includes experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals in order to prepare future doctors and allied health care workers to provide competent and compassionate care for LGBTQIA+  individuals.

As researchers, we can pay attention to demographics so that research findings are not overgeneralized to individuals with unique experiences. We can also take notice of disparities to differentiate confounding variables from true associations.

As providers, we can provide dignity and respect to all individuals, regardless of gender identity or sexuality.

As advocates, we can lend our voices to efforts that would improve LGBTQIA+ health.

As colleagues, we can provide a space of mutual respect and safety at work.

As mid-career and senior academicians, we can sponsor and mentor individuals from marginalized communities who may not find a mentor within their home program.

As administrators, we can design health systems that deliver evidence-based care to all patients.

As editors, we can find space for research articles addressing the needs of marginalized communities.

Finally, as members of CHEST, we can attend the Community Connection gatherings at our annual meeting, including the LGBTQ+ at CHEST Interest Group meetings, to network and extend friendship within our professional society.

We invite you to consider the above and set your allyship goal for 2025.

JOIN THE LGBTQ+ AT CHEST INTEREST GROUP »