These can include (but are not limited to) increased risk of STIs (83% of new HIV diagnoses among 13-24 year olds were gay men), increased risk of negative mental health outcomes like depression (39% of LGBTQ youth have seriously considered attempting suicide), increased substance abuse issues (39.1% of sexual minority adults have used an illicit drug, compared to 17.1% of sexual majority adults), and increased risk of homelessness (20-40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ). It's important for clinicians to understand how these are related to stigma surrounding the LGBTQ+ community, and to be aware of these disparities in order to provide proper resources.

Health disparities faced by the LGBTQ+
community

Gender identity is an individual's internal, personal sense of being a man, woman, both, or neither. It is a distinct concept from sexual orientation, which relates to attraction, although the two are often mistakenly conflated. While a person's gender identity often corresponds to their sex assigned at birth (based on chromosomes and phenotype), this is not always the case. Gender identity should also not be confused with gender expression, which is the outward presentation of one's gender. It is crucial for clinicians to understand these distinctions and be knowledgeable about gender-affirming care.

Gender Identity

Theory that believes that individuals who are a part of non-dominant groups in society continue to experience and suffer from health disparities, even after adjusting for confounding variables, due to constant stress caused by interactions with dominant groups. LGBTQIA-POC individuals may be at a higher risk to health disparities due to this stress.

Minority Stress Theory

Sexual orientation (or sexuality) has multiple dimensions and is a person's identity in relation to the gender(s) they are physically and/or emotionally attracted to. It concerns an individuals romantic, emotional, and/or erotic attraction towards others (or the absence of).

Sexual Orientation

This can include education on sexual orientation and related terminology, gender identity and terminology, and specific disparities that the LGBTQ+ community faces.

Grand Valley State University

Georgetown University

The LGBTQ+ community faces a number of health disparities and barriers to accessing proper care.  This is due in part to a lack of education and training within the healthcare field, which can help to create a healthcare environment that is open, accepting, and affirming towards members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Health equity and LGBTQ+ people

Keuroghlian, A. S., Ard, K. L., & Makadon, H. J. (2017). Advancing health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people through sexual health education and LGBT-affirming health care environments. Sexual Health (Online), 14(1), 119-122. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/SH16145

Advancing health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people through sexual health education and LGBT-affirming health care environments

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