There are good reasons for gays to seek out gay and gay-friendly physicians who understand their health issues. The California Supreme Court is considering the case of a woman who sued two infertility doctors in 2001 for refusing to treat her because she was a lesbian. Last year, a lesbian was handed anti-gay literature from a Kissimmee physician who treated the woman for bronchitis. The fear of being judged, or condemned, is real. 'I just happened to notice the need for certain patients to feel comfortable going to a health-care provider in an honest way without being judged,' he said. Pinero, a general practitioner with offices in Orlando, said he serves the gay community because there is a need for doctors who understand the health-care issues of gays and lesbians. 'The ad has helped a lot.' Still, most gay or gay-friendly physicians are unwilling to step forward, said Rafael Pinero.
to know my location,' said Ron Stanish, a family practitioner in Winter Park. 'I've always had a lot of gay patients and recently opened a new practice, and I wanted people.
