GLMA exists to make the health care environment a place of empathy, justice, and equity.

For twenty years, the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association has worked to maximize the quality of health services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and to foster a professional climate in which our diverse members can reach their full potential.

Founded in 1981 as the American Association of Physicians for Human Rights, GLMA "came out" as an organization in 1994 with a name change as part of the broader expansion of our visibility, leadership, education, and advocacy. Our members provide tremendous expertise and credibility in our policy advocacy efforts, especially dedicated to expand LGBT access to high-quality health care. Our members represent the interests of thousands of LGBT physicians, medical students, and increasingly other health care professionals, as well as millions of LGBT patients throughout North America who seek equality in health care access and delivery.