Palliative Care for the LGBTIQA+ Community in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or gender diverse, intersex, queer or asexual (LGBTIQA+), you have the right to respectful, affirming, and discrimination‑free palliative and end‑of‑life care in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Local healthcare systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health increasingly recognize the importance of inclusive palliative care that honors your identity, relationships, and life story.

This guide explains your options, your legal rights, and local resources to help you plan for palliative care in Grand Rapids, MI.

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on:

  • Managing pain and symptoms of serious illness
  • Supporting emotional, spiritual, and social needs
  • Improving quality of life for you and your loved ones

You can receive palliative care:

  • In a Grand Rapids hospital (for example, Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
  • At home, with the support of home-based palliative care or hospice
  • In a skilled nursing facility or hospice residence

Palliative care is for anyone with a serious illness, at any age, and at any stage of the disease. It can be provided along with curative treatment and is not limited to the final days of life.

Why LGBTIQA+‑Inclusive Palliative Care Matters in Grand Rapids

LGBTIQA+ people often face:

  • Past experiences of discrimination in healthcare
  • Fear of being “outed” or disrespected
  • Lack of recognition of partners, chosen family, or true gender identity
  • Concern that end‑of‑life decisions may be overridden by unsupportive relatives

In West Michigan, where social and cultural attitudes can vary widely, affirming palliative care is especially important. The goal is to ensure:

  • Your sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status are respected
  • Your partner(s) and chosen family are recognized and involved
  • Your name, pronouns, and gender expression are honored
  • Your end‑of‑life wishes are clearly documented and followed

Your Rights as an LGBTIQA+ Person in Michigan

As an LGBTIQA+ person in Grand Rapids, you have the right to:

  • Receive medical care free from discrimination and harassment
  • Be treated with dignity, respect, and privacy
  • Have your partner or chosen family involved in your care
  • Use the name and pronouns that reflect your identity
  • Make advance care plans and appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions if you cannot

If you experience discrimination, the problem lies with the attitudes or behavior of others, not with you. There are local and state resources that can help.

Inclusive Palliative Care Services in Grand Rapids

While the original “Rainbow Tick” accreditation is an Australian program, the same principles of LGBTIQA+‑inclusive practice are relevant in Grand Rapids. When looking for palliative care or hospice services in West Michigan, ask whether they:

  • Have non‑discrimination policies that explicitly include sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status
  • Provide staff training on LGBTIQA+ cultural competency
  • Allow you to identify your partner and chosen family in your medical record
  • Respect your gender identity, pronouns, and privacy
  • Provide private spaces for partners and chosen family to visit and participate in care

You can start by contacting:

  • Palliative care teams at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, U of M Health–West (Metro Health), or Mercy Health
  • Local hospice organizations in the Grand Rapids area that advertise LGBTIQA+‑affirming or inclusive services

Planning Ahead: Advance Care Planning for LGBTIQA+ People

Why Advance Care Planning Is Especially Important

Advance care planning allows you to document:

  • The type of care you want (or do not want) if you become too ill to speak for yourself
  • Who you want to make medical decisions on your behalf
  • How you want your identity, relationships, and values to be respected

This is especially important if:

  • Your biological family does not know, accept, or respect your sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationships
  • You rely heavily on friends, partners, or chosen family for support
  • You worry that others may try to override your wishes at the end of life

Clear, up‑to‑date documents help protect your legal rights and ensure your wishes are followed in Grand Rapids hospitals, clinics, and long‑term care facilities.

Choosing a Medical Treatment Decision Maker

In Michigan, you can appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions if you cannot. This is often done through a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (sometimes called a healthcare proxy).

When choosing this person:

  • Pick someone you know very well and can talk to about sensitive issues
  • Make sure they fully understand your values, identity, and wishes
  • Confirm they are willing to stand up for your choices, even if doctors or family members disagree
  • Ideally, choose someone who is local to West Michigan or able to be present when needed

Have an open, honest conversation about:

  • Your end‑of‑life wishes (for example, life support, resuscitation, pain management)
  • How you want your gender identity and relationships to be respected
  • Who you want to be considered family at the bedside
  • Spiritual, cultural, or community connections that matter to you

Once you’ve chosen this person, complete the appropriate Michigan legal forms and share them with:

  • Your primary care provider
  • Your palliative care or oncology team
  • Local hospitals where you might receive care (for example, Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
  • Your decision maker and any key support people

Advance Care Directives in Michigan

An advance directive in Michigan generally includes:

  • A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (naming your medical decision maker)
  • Written treatment preferences and values (sometimes included as part of your directive or in an attached statement)

These documents:

  • Are legally recognized in Michigan
  • Give you greater confidence that your medical treatment decisions will be respected
  • Help your decision maker act on your behalf if you become too unwell to decide for yourself

For LGBTIQA+ people in Grand Rapids, it can be helpful to include:

  • A clear statement of your gender identity, name, and pronouns
  • Directions about who should be allowed to visit and receive information
  • Instructions about recognizing your partner(s) and chosen family
  • Any wishes about religious or spiritual involvement that do or do not reflect your identity

Seasonal and Local Health Considerations in Grand Rapids

Living in West Michigan brings specific health issues that can affect palliative and end‑of‑life care planning:

  • Cold, snowy winters can make travel difficult for partners and chosen family. Talk with your care team about transportation, telehealth options, and in‑home support.
  • Respiratory illnesses (like flu and COVID‑19) are more common in colder months. Discuss vaccinations and infection‑prevention plans with your providers.
  • The Great Lakes climate can affect mood and energy levels (for example, seasonal affective disorder). Consider including mental health support as part of your palliative care plan.

Your palliative care team in Grand Rapids can help you plan for these seasonal challenges so that your support network remains involved and your care remains consistent.

If You Experience Discrimination in Care

If you face discrimination or harassment in a healthcare setting because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status:

  1. Document what happened

    • Write down dates, times, names, and what was said or done
    • Save any written communication (emails, patient portal messages, letters)

  2. Ask to speak with

    • A patient advocate or patient relations department at the hospital or clinic
    • A social worker or case manager who can help you navigate the system

  3. Contact external support and advocacy organizations (see below)

Remember: you have the right to safe, respectful, and affirming care in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan.

Local and State Resources for LGBTIQA+ Palliative Care Support

Public Health and General Support

  • Kent County Health Department (Grand Rapids)
    Provides public health services, information on advance directives, and referrals to local resources.

  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics
    Many local clinics and community health centers can connect you with palliative care teams, social workers, and mental health support.

  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
    Offers information about patients’ rights, advance directives, and long‑term care options in Michigan.

LGBTIQA+ Support and Advocacy (Michigan & National)

While not all of these are palliative‑care specific, they can help you find affirming providers and navigate discrimination:

  • Grand Rapids–area LGBTQ+ centers and community groups
    Search for current local organizations and support groups that can recommend LGBTIQA+‑friendly doctors, hospices, and counselors.

  • Equality Michigan
    Statewide organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and can provide guidance if you experience discrimination.

  • National LGBT Cancer Network & other national LGBTIQA+ health organizations
    Provide resources on serious illness, palliative care, and finding affirming providers.

How to Talk With Your Grand Rapids Care Team About Palliative Care

When meeting with your doctor, palliative care specialist, or hospice team, consider asking:

  • “What palliative care services are available through Corewell Health / Trinity Health Grand Rapids / U of M Health–West / Mercy Health?”
  • “How do you support LGBTIQA+ patients and their partners?”
  • “Can I include my partner and chosen family in all medical discussions?”
  • “Where do I file my advance directive and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care so it’s in my Grand Rapids medical record?”
  • “What support is available for mental health, spiritual care, and grief for LGBTIQA+ people?”

Being open about your identity and needs—when it feels safe to do so—helps your team provide care that truly reflects who you are.

Key Takeaways for LGBTIQA+ Palliative Care in Grand Rapids, MI

  • You have the right to respectful, affirming, and discrimination‑free palliative care in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan.
  • Inclusive palliative care should honor your identity, relationships, and life story.
  • Advance care planning (including a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care) is essential to protect your wishes, especially if family members are not supportive.
  • Local health systems—Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, U of M Health–West, and Mercy Health—offer palliative and hospice services; ask specifically about their support for LGBTIQA+ patients.
  • If you experience discrimination, you can seek support from hospital patient advocates, Kent County Health Department, and LGBTIQA+ advocacy organizations in Michigan.

Planning ahead and connecting with affirming providers can help ensure that your end‑of‑life and palliative care in Grand Rapids reflects your values, your identity, and the people you love.