June is Pride Month, dedicated to recognizing the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) individuals have had on history - locally, nationally and internationally. It’s also an important time to recognize the challenges that LGBTQ people have faced when it comes to their health and accessing healthcare. (You can find a list of LGBTQ glossary terms here.) 

LGBTQ people experience several health disparities and in some cases face higher risk of health conditions than the rest of the population. 

These health problems - including behavioral health and physical health - can be exacerbated because LGBTQ people also have less access to healthcare and worse health outcomes. For example:

•  LGBTQ people are more likely to rate their health as poor and report more chronic health conditions

• Lesbian and bisexual women have higher rates of breast cancer

• LGBTQ+ people have higher rates of HPV infection

• Lesbian and bisexual women may have a higher risk of cervical cancer, and gay and bisexual men may have a higher risk of anal cancer

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center offers a good look at some of the health disparities that exist for people who identify as LGBTQ. Some of the reasons that LGBTQ people may be less likely to access quality medical care include:

• Fear of stigma, discrimination, or poor treatment, and/or prior negative experiences with health providers

• Higher rates of poverty, making it more difficult to afford health insurance or care

• Lack of culturally competent providers with knowledge of LGBTQ health

• Refusal of care due to gender identity or sexual orientation

• For transgender and many nonbinary individuals, lower rates of health insurance coverage

Healthcare providers can learn more about promoting and supporting health equity by visiting GMLA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality. On-campus resources at the University of Delaware can be found here.