Health Disparities for LGBTQ+ Youths

According to the National LGBT Health Education Center, such youth experience:

• Double to triple the likelihood of suicide attempts
• Increased likelihood of homelessness
• Higher incidence of bullying
• Higher risks of being infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV

There is also a higher risk of LGBTQ+ youth becoming victims of human trafficking. LGBTQ+ youth may also experience abuse by their parents or guardians.

The Center for American Progress further identifies common health disparities:

• Lower rates of screening for certain diseases
• STIs
• Risk factors such as the misuse of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs
• Sexual abuse and violence
• Social isolation
• Anxiety and depression
• Altered body image and eating disorders

Barriers to Care for LGBTQ+ Youths

Many barriers stand in the way of LGBTQ+ patients and youth accessing healthcare services, which can contribute to health disparities. Barriers to accessing care include:

• Being refused care based on perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity
• Difficulty finding providers
• The cost of care and lack of health insurance
• Stigma
• Lack of access to affordable transportation
• Fears regarding privacy and lack of confidentiality
• Previous experiences of discrimination, dismissal, bullying, or criticism

In terms of providing information to LGBTQ+ youth regarding the availability of care, barriers include:

• Mistrust of the healthcare system
• A lack of sufficient relevant data on the LGBTQ+ youth population experience
• Misunderstanding on the part of providers regarding the correct use of inclusive, respectful language (such as pronouns, identifiers, etc.)
• Printed and online materials using outdated and incorrect language that excludes patients' own identified culture or group

For LGBTQ+ youth of color, the barriers are intensified when discrimination based on race or racial identity is superimposed over the barriers already faced by all LGBTQ+ youth.