Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Hereditary Cancer Risk Through an LGBTQ+ Lens with Genetic Counselor Maddie Williamson
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Hereditary Cancer Risk Through an LGBTQ+ Lens with Genetic Counselor Maddie Williamson
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, Maddie Williamson, a genetic counselor and BRCA1 carrier, joins host Sara Kavanaugh to discuss what it means to navigate hereditary cancer risk as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Maddie shares the challenges and insights that come with balancing genetic risk, identity, and access to care. The conversation explores how connection, understanding, and empathy can make a lasting difference in the hereditary cancer journey — for patients, families, and providers alike.
Key Topics Covered
Personal Story & Perspective — Maddie’s journey as a genetic counselor and BRCA1 carrier
Barriers to Inclusive Healthcare — Finding affirming providers and safe medical spaces
Insurance & Access — Navigating coverage gaps and coding complexities
Family, Identity & Genetic Testing — How estrangement and chosen family affect care
Representation & Research — SOGI data gaps and why inclusive study design matters
From Allyship to Action — What providers and advocates can do to better support LGBTQ+ patients
Resources
Maddie Williamson — Instagram: @MaddieLucy27
Support & Genetic Counseling
A safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating hereditary cancer risk.
facingourrisk.org
Community and resources for those impacted by hereditary breast/ovarian cancer. thebreasties.org
Search for licensed genetic counselors, including those with LGBTQ+ affirming experience. nsgc.org/page/find-a-genetic-counselor
LGBTQ+-Affirming Care & Education
National LGBT Cancer Network — Affirming provider directories, support groups, and clinician toolkits. cancer-network.org
OutCare Health — U.S. directory of culturally competent providers for LGBTQ+ patients. outcarehealth.org
Callen-Lorde Health Center — LGBTQ+-focused healthcare and advocacy based in New York. callen-lorde.org
Research & Representation
GLMA – Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality
Continuing education, best practices, and health policy insights.
glma.org
LGBTData.com — Inclusive public health data and SOGI visibility.
lgbtdata.com
NCCN Language Guidance — Sensitive, Respectful, and Inclusive Language for Oncology - NCCN Guidance PDF
Advancing Health Equity for LGBTQ+ Identifying Patients with Cancer (NCCN Infographic)
NCCN Health Equity PDF
Listen & Subscribe
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The views shared are based on personal and professional experiences and should not replace medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider, genetic counselor, or qualified medical professional regarding your individual situation.
View all episodes
By Sara Kavanaugh
5
1010 ratings
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, Maddie Williamson, a genetic counselor and BRCA1 carrier, joins host Sara Kavanaugh to discuss what it means to navigate hereditary cancer risk as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Maddie shares the challenges and insights that come with balancing genetic risk, identity, and access to care. The conversation explores how connection, understanding, and empathy can make a lasting difference in the hereditary cancer journey — for patients, families, and providers alike.
Key Topics Covered
Personal Story & Perspective — Maddie’s journey as a genetic counselor and BRCA1 carrier
Barriers to Inclusive Healthcare — Finding affirming providers and safe medical spaces
Insurance & Access — Navigating coverage gaps and coding complexities
Family, Identity & Genetic Testing — How estrangement and chosen family affect care
Representation & Research — SOGI data gaps and why inclusive study design matters
From Allyship to Action — What providers and advocates can do to better support LGBTQ+ patients
Resources
Maddie Williamson — Instagram: @MaddieLucy27
Support & Genetic Counseling
A safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating hereditary cancer risk.
facingourrisk.org
Community and resources for those impacted by hereditary breast/ovarian cancer. thebreasties.org
Search for licensed genetic counselors, including those with LGBTQ+ affirming experience. nsgc.org/page/find-a-genetic-counselor
LGBTQ+-Affirming Care & Education
National LGBT Cancer Network — Affirming provider directories, support groups, and clinician toolkits. cancer-network.org
OutCare Health — U.S. directory of culturally competent providers for LGBTQ+ patients. outcarehealth.org
Callen-Lorde Health Center — LGBTQ+-focused healthcare and advocacy based in New York. callen-lorde.org
Research & Representation
GLMA – Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality
Continuing education, best practices, and health policy insights.
glma.org
LGBTData.com — Inclusive public health data and SOGI visibility.
lgbtdata.com
NCCN Language Guidance — Sensitive, Respectful, and Inclusive Language for Oncology - NCCN Guidance PDF
Advancing Health Equity for LGBTQ+ Identifying Patients with Cancer (NCCN Infographic)
NCCN Health Equity PDF
Listen & Subscribe
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The views shared are based on personal and professional experiences and should not replace medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider, genetic counselor, or qualified medical professional regarding your individual situation.
More shows like The Positive Gene Podcast
View all
The Daily
112,835 Listeners
The Mel Robbins Podcast
20,020 Listeners