LGBTQ+ is an acronym used to represent a diverse spectrum of sexualities and gender-identities. LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (see here for definitions). The “plus” in LGBTQ+ represents all other sexual and gender identities not covered in the acronym (i.e., asexual, pansexual, etc.). The LGBTQ+ community is diverse and includes people of all races, ethnicities, ages, socioeconomic statuses, and walks of life.

Regarding healthcare, members of the LGBTQ+ community may have unique health needs.¹ Public health is for all people, and everyone should have access to healthcare. Unfortunately, many health disparities, differences, and challenges exist between LGBTQ+ individuals compared to their cis gender, heterosexual counterparts. Some examples are listed below.

• LGBTQ+ individuals are at a greater risk of:
  • Anxiety and depressive mood disorders.¹
  • Suicide and suicidal thoughts.¹
  • Alcohol and substance abuse.^1,2
  • Tobacco use.^1,3
• LGBTQ+ people have less access to healthcare:
  • Less likely to have health insurance.^1,4
  • Less likely to have a regular healthcare provider.¹
  • More likely to delay preventative cancer care (like cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations).⁴
  • More likely to report poor quality of care, lack of cultural competence, and unfair treatment by providers.⁵
• LGBTQ+ people are at a greater risk for certain conditions and diseases:
  • Higher risk for certain cancers (For example, potential cancer disparities in cervical, breast, lung, and other types of cancer).^4,6
  • Higher rates of HPV infection and related cervical or anal cancers.⁷
  • Gay and bisexual men are more affected by HIV/AIDS than any other group in the United States.^1,8
  • Lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to be obese than heterosexual women.⁹
• LGBTQ+ patients report feeling uncomfortable seeking or receiving health, mental, and cancer care. Some of the reasons for this include:¹⁰
  • Fear of discrimination
  • Negative experiences
  • Lower rates of health insurance
  • Denial of gender-affirming care (for example, one in five transgender patients have been turned away by a healthcare provider).¹⁰

The 2021 Stony Brook Medicine LGBTQ+ survey was the first complete health needs assessment of the LGBTQ* population on Long Island. The survey uncovered some striking results regarding mental health, healthcare access, health behaviors, LGBTQ+ priority issues and more.

Some key findings include:

• 43.6% of the 1,150 respondents reported having “fair/poor” mental health.
  • For comparison, only 14.8% of the public in Suffolk County report having “fair” to “poor” mental health.¹¹
• 33.5% had thoughts of self-harm and 23.9% had seriously considered suicide in the past 3 years.
• 57.3% of respondents were overweight or obese.
  • For comparison, 29.1% of adults in NYS are considered obese.¹²
• Only 55.6% had a routine checkup in the past year and 25% did not have a regular primary care provider.
  • For comparison, only 15% of adults in NYS do not have a regular healthcare provider.¹²
• 34.9% of respondents were excessive drinkers.
  • For comparison, in NYS 16.7% adults report excessive alcohol use in the form of either binge or heavy drinking.¹³
• Only 65.1% of eligible respondents aged 21 to 65 got screened for cervical cancer (Pap smear test) in the past 3 years.
  • For comparison, in 2020, it is estimated that 84.0% of NYS females ages 21 to 65 got screened for cervical cancer.¹⁴

To learn more about the survey and its findings visit: https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/LGBTQ/2021-Survey-Summary

1. Kates, J., Ranji, U., Beamesderder, A., et al. (2018). Kaiser Family Foundation. Health and Access to Care and Coverage for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals in the U.S
2. Kaliszewski, M., (2022). Alcohol Addiction and Abuse in the LGBTQ Community.
3. Truth Initiative (2016). LGBT History Month: Why are smoking rates higher in LGBT communities?
4. American Cancer Society (2017). More Information About Cancer in LGBTQ People May Help Improve Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment.
5. The Center for American Progress (2018). Discrimination Prevents LGBTQ People from Accessing Health Care
6. Olsen, K., (2021). American Association for Cancer Research. AACR Conference Examines Cancer Disparities in the LGBTQ Population
7. National LGBT Cancer Network (2023). LGBT Cancer Information: HPV and Cancer.
8. National Institutes of Health (2021). HIV and Specific Populations.
9. Office on Women’s Health [OASH] (2020). U.S Department of Health & Human Services. Recognizing the Needs of Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Women.
10. Cancer Care (2022). Coping with Cancer as an LGBTQ+ Person.
11. Stony Brook Medicine (2022). LGBTQ+ Survey Summary.
12. New York State Department of Health (2023). NYS Prevention Agenda Dashboard.
13. NYS BRFSS Brief (2020). Binge and Heavy Drinking.
14. BRFSS Brief (2020). Cervical Cancer Screening
15. Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] (2021). Patient Engagement.
16. WebMD (2021). Fight for Your Rights as a Patient
17. Lupus Foundation of America (2023). What is Self-Advocacy?