Discrimination Still Prevents
LGBTQ+ People From
Getting Health Care
Certain subgroups of the LGBTQ+
community have more chronic
conditions and a higher prevalence/
earlier onset of disabilities than their
heterosexual counterparts. Some
research suggests that lesbians have
a higher risk of breast cancer while
transgender individuals have unique
health care needs yet face significant
barriers in obtaining quality care.
Other major health concerns include
HIV/AIDS, substance use and sexual
and physical violence. Relatedly,
some LGBTQ+ individuals are more
likely to experience barriers to
health care due to gaps in coverage,
prohibitive costs or even being
denied care because of their sexual
orientation or gender identity.
LGBTQ+ individuals also face higher
rates of mental illness, addiction and
suicide—the highest among bisexual,
questioning, transgender and young
individuals. LGBTQ+ individuals
often keep mum about mental
health issues due to stigma and are
less apt to get help. More LGBTQ+
culturally competent mental health
providers are therefore essential.
29% of LGBTQ+
adults are likely
to delay or not
seek medical
care compared
to 17% for others.
LGBTQ+ individuals
are nearly 3 times
more likely to
experience a
mental health
condition.
When it comes to healthcare, LGBTQ+ individuals and their heterosexual/cisgender
peers share some concerns: difficulty finding affordable care, worry about losing
their job and health insurance due to illness, and the stigma around getting
treated for mental illness and sexually transmitted infections. But the LGBTQ+
community faces additional challenges, leading to worse health outcomes.
WHAT MUST BE DONE:
1 2 3
Passage of
comprehensive laws
that prohibit denying
medical treatment to
LGBTQ+ individuals,
and removal of
laws criminalizing
individuals living
with HIV/AIDS.
Targeted funding for
programs to reduce
suicide in LGBTQ+
populations, improved
access to quality LGBTQ+
mental health services
and public education
to destigmatize mental
health conditions.
Improved access to
health education,
as well as free
health screenings
for illnesses such
as breast, cervical
and anal cancers
and HPV.
HEALTH CARE
MORE
INFO:
Hope and Help
www.hopeandhelp.org
Orlando Immunology Center
www. oicorlando.com
Two Spirit Health
twospirithealth.org
Bliss Cares
blisscares.org
Mental Health Association
www.mhacf.org
Miracle of Love
miracleofloveinc.org
/www.hopeandhelp.org
/oicorlando.com
/twospirithealth.org
/blisscares.org
/www.mhacf.org
/miracleofloveinc.org