Health inequities and disparities the LGBTQ+ community faces

The LGBTQ+ community can face unique obstacles in health and wellness spaces. Check out these resources to gain a new perspective.

Navigating medical systems

The LGBTQ+ community often struggle as they navigate health and wellness services.
Gay couple hugging in the park

  1. Around 3 in 10 LGBTQ+ Americans found it difficult to access the medical care they needed due to cost. This includes more than half of transgender Americans.

  2. The COVID-19 pandemic has had negative impacts on mental health for LGBTQ+ Americans. Two thirds of LGBTQ+ Americans feel anxious about contracting COVID-19.

  3. Transgender individuals faced unique challenges when trying to access healthcare. 1 in 3 had to teach their doctor about their community in order to get the care they needed.

  4. 43% of transgender people were denied health insurance coverage for gender affirming surgery. 38% were denied hormone therapy for their transition by their insurance company.

Read the full report
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Learn about LGBTQ+ health

LGBTQ+ Americans often deal with challenges in health and wellness. For instance:

Increased stigma

LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to be rejected by their families. 40% of homeless youth are LGBTQ+—rejection increases their risk of becoming homeless. Learn how parents and schools can help.
Learn about rejection, stigma, and bias

Mental health concerns

42% of LGBTQ+ youth considered attempting suicide in the past year. This includes more than half of transgender and non-binary young people.
Read the report