Pediatric LGBTQ+ Care

The MetroHealth Pride Network is a leader in caring for LGBTQ+ children and teens, and the children of LGBTQ+ parents.

Schedule an Appointment

Appointments may be in Pediatrics or may be with a Family Medicine or Internal Medicine/Pediatrics provider for primary care for your whole family, 216-778-8546.

Our providers are passionate about every aspect of children’s health. Our services include:

Well child and development, from birth to 18
Immunizations
Management of chronic and long-term conditions
Physical exams, including back-to-school physicals
Vision and hearing screenings

Our providers are also aware of the unique needs and stresses that sex and gender diverse children and adolescents may be going through. They are affirming and sensitive in all care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find some commonly asked questions and answers about appointments, services, and more from MetroHealth Kids Pride.

Kids Pride pediatrics primary care appointments can be made by calling 216-778-8564.

Children and teens who identify as LGBTQ+ have the same medical care needs as every growing child. They may also have questions or concerns that are different from their peers. A Pride care provider will be aware of those varied needs and will be comfortable addressing them as they come up.

All teens have concerns around relationships and intimacy, an informed pediatrician can help with understanding and staying safer. Pride providers are informed about more unique concerns for teens who may be in same-sex relationships and can help with understanding and critical choices for health and safety.

All children grow best when they feel safe, supported, and confident to be themselves. The best way to support a child is to listen without judgment to their thoughts and experiences.

Calmly listening to your child will open a channel of communication and allow them to feel safe talking with you about this topic.

Being an advocate for your child’s needs and rights in school and other settings outside of the home is also important.

Research has shown that when families are affirming and accepting of their child’s sexual orientation, they impact their child’s mental health in very positive ways.

In addition, educating yourself about sexual orientation may help your child feel more understood. Resources such as the Safe Zone Project, the Trevor Project, the Gay Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), and PFLAG offer wonderful educational materials.

In 2023 the Ohio Legislature passed HB 68, a law restricting care for gender diverse minors in Ohio. It went into effect in 2024.

A challenge to the law is in the Ohio Supreme Court. Until a permanent decision is made, minors in Ohio cannot be prescribed puberty blockers or hormone replacement therapy. MetroHealth does follow all state and federal laws.

The MetroHealth Pride Network includes trained pediatric behavioral health specialists who work with children and teens questioning their gender identity. For questions or to make an appointment call 216-778-8564.