Finding a Financial Advisor Who Truly Understands LGBT Clients
- Katie Kimball Dyer
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
When Chris and Miguel started planning their future together, they quickly realized traditional financial advice didn’t always fit their lives.
Should they plan for adoption costs? How would healthcare and insurance coverage work for gender-affirming care? What about estate planning if state laws don’t always protect LGBT families equally?
That’s when they learned an important truth: not every financial advisor is equipped to understand LGBT households.
Why Representation and Understanding Matter
Finances aren’t one-size-fits-all. For LGBT clients, there are unique needs and challenges, like:
Healthcare costs for gender-affirming procedures or fertility treatments
Adoption or surrogacy planning for building a family
Estate planning in states where protections may vary
Workplace benefits and whether they fully support partners and families
Bias in the industry sometimes makes clients feel judged or misunderstood An advisor who gets this will not only support your financial goals, but they’ll also respect your identity and relationships.
What to Look for in an Advisor
Cultural Competence: Do they have experience working with LGBTQIA+ clients? Do they understand the community’s unique needs
Fiduciary Standard: Are they legally required to put your best interests first?
Safe & Inclusive Space: Do you feel comfortable being your authentic self in conversations?
Holistic Planning: Do they go beyond investments to educate about healthcare, family planning, and estate issues?
Questions to Ask a Potential Advisor
Have you worked with LGBT individuals, couples, or families before?
How do you approach planning for adoption, surrogacy, or fertility costs?
What experience do you have with gender-affirming healthcare planning?
How do you help clients navigate estate planning in states with varying protections?
Do you partner with attorneys or professionals who specialize in LGBT issues?
Try This Today
If you already have an advisor, ask yourself: do I feel safe and seen in our conversations?
If you’re searching for one, add the questions above to your interview list.
Remember: you’re hiring them. It’s okay to walk away if they don’t understand your needs.
Looking for an advisor who welcomes every part of who you are?
Let’s connect. Schedule a call here
Katie’s Key Takeaway
Your financial plan should celebrate and support your whole identity. The right advisor will not only understand numbers, but they’ll also understand you.
