Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health Issues
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and communities have largely been overlooked by health care systems and providers. Unfortunately, there is evidence that many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and health care consumers continue to experience discrimination and exclusion from health care services, and also experience disparities in health care and outcomes.
Healthy People 2010 Companion Document on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health
Presidential Memorandum on Respecting the Rights of Hospital Patients
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Health Equality Index
National Coalition for LGBT Health Issue Brief on Health Disparities
Center for American Progress Issue Brief on LGBT Health Disparities
Similar to many underserved populations and communities, one of the central issues for improving the health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals is demographic data collection – being able to voluntarily and safely identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender to one’s health care provider, or on a health survey.
National Coalition for LGBT Health Issue Brief on Data Collection
National Coalition for LGBT Health Issue Brief on Inclusion in Federal Health Surveys
In addition, there are important issues of providing clinically appropriate care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and health care consumers, cultural competency training and workforce development.
National Coalition for LGBT Health Guiding Principles for Inclusion in Health Care
National Coalition for LGBT Health Issue Brief on Health Care Workforce
National Coalition for LGBT Health Issue Brief on Cultural Competency
Improving health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and their families is another important step towards patient-centered and equitable health care for all.
