LGBTQ health

"LGBT Health" redirects here. For the academic journal, see LGBT Health (journal).

Within the healthcare sphere, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people face specific challenges and hardships that make access to healthcare less equitable. According to the US Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA), some of the most common issues related to LGBTQ health are HIV/AIDS, breast and cervical cancer, hepatitis, mental health, substance use disorders, alcohol use, tobacco use, depression, access to care for transgender persons, issues surrounding marriage and family recognition, conversion therapy, refusal clause legislation, and laws that are intended to "immunize health care professionals from liability for discriminating against persons of whom they disapprove." These negative social stereotypes and pressure presented by the media are correlated with an increase of negative body image and declining self-worth, which can coincide with developing eating disorders and impact obesity rates.

LGBTQ people may face barriers to accessing healthcare on the basis of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity or expression. Many avoid or receive inferior care due to perceived or real homophobia, transphobia, or discrimination by healthcare providers and institutions. In other words, negative personal experiences, or fear of experiencing discrimination may deter these individuals from accessing care.

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