A potential explanation for sexual orientation identity disparities in health behavior is the multiple minority stress model, unique experiences of stigma, prejudice, and discrimination, leading to psychological distress and chronic physiological stress that has effects on SM mental and physical health. The intersectionality theory tells us SMs of color experience a "double" jeopardy: racism from LGBT community, heterosexism from their racial/ethnic communities, sexism. Thus, social stressors create unique vulnerabilities that have multiplicative effect on health parameters. 

Discussing Sexual orientation and Race Health Disparities

Examines how people are disadvantaged by multiple sources of oppression: their race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and other identity markers.

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Male and female SMs of color have higher prevalence of some suboptimal health behaviors, health outcomes, and healthcare access and utilization indicators compared to White and same-race/ethnicity heterosexuals. However, solutions require more research to find the drivers of these sexual orientation identity disparities and investigate impact of their unique experiences on health. This data can inform tailored policies, clinical practice, and public health strategies to promote health behaviors among SMs and address sociocultural factors that contribute to current disparities.

Conclusion: Need for Cross-sectional study of the Intersection of Sexual Orientation and Race in Healthcare

Trinh, M.-H., Agénor, M., Austin, S. B., & Jackson, C. L. (2017). Health and healthcare disparities among U.S. women and men at the intersection of sexual orientation and race/ethnicity: a nationally representative cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 17(1), 964–964. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4937-9

Health and healthcare disparities among U.S. women and men at the intersection of sexual orientation and race/ethnicity: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

Theory of Intersectionality

Illustrates that sexual minorities face unique and hostile stressors related to their sexual minority identity and how these stressors have negative effects on their health.

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