According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) and healthypeople.gov, research suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals face health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. Experiences of violence and victimization are frequent for LGBTQ+ individuals, and have long-lasting effects on the individual and the community. Personal, family, and social acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity affects the mental health and personal safety of LGBTQ+ individuals.
It is difficult to estimate the number of LGBTQ+ individuals and their health needs because most national or State surveys do not include sexual orientation and gender identity questions.
In order to document, understand, and address the environmental factors that contribute to health disparities in LGBTQ+ communities, we need to increase the number of nationally-representative health-related surveys that collect information on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). This will allow researchers and policy makers to accurately characterize LGBTQ+ health and disparities.
The ODPHP and healthypeople.org research has found,
According to the Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study, about 2.7 million U.S. adults 50 and older identify as LGBTQ+, including 1.1 million age 65 and older. Those numbers are expected to nearly double by 2060.
And among subgroups within the LGBTQ+ community, some are struggling with their health more than others:
Along with collecting SOGI information in national surveys and health records, other efforts needed to improve LGBTQ+ health disparities include,
It is necessary that efforts are enhanced to improve LGBTQ+ health and eliminate disparities so LGBTQ+ individuals can lead long, healthy lives.