LGBTQ+ Health Concerns Sourcebook, 1st Ed.

The LGBTQ+ community is a vibrant and diverse group of identities, encompassing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and many more. According to the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS), data regarding same-sex households in the United States revealed that there were 1.2 million same-sex couple households, with about 59 percent being married couples. Additionally, the statistics from the United States Census Bureau revealed that a larger share, 38.2 percent of LGBT respondents, reported experiencing depression for more than half of the days in a week, in comparison to the 16.1 percent non-LGBT respondents. These statistical data mentioned earlier reflect the growing recognition and acceptance of same-sex relationships in society, emphasizing the importance of understanding the mental and physical health challenges faced by this community and the urgent need to address the health disparities.

LGBTQ+ Health Concerns Sourcebook, First Edition provides information about sexual orientation, gender identity, discrimination, stigma, and major health challenges for LGBTQ+, along with social determinants, reproductive health, and LGBTQ+ data and demographics. It also describes the physical health concerns of the LGBTQ+ community, including how to prevent sexually transmitted infections and address LGBTQ+ mental health challenges, along with age-specific behavioral health trends. It offers helpful information about social considerations for the LGBTQ+ community in legal, education, and employment opportunities. A glossary of terms and a directory of organizations for further help and information are also provided.

Part 1: Introduction to LGBTQ+ Health describes sexual orientation and gender in children and adolescents, along with intersex health and gender identity. It also discusses the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals, including lesbians, gay men, bisexual men and women, transgender people, and so on. It discusses the coming out process, protective factors for LGBTQ youth, and medical aspects such as hormones and gender affirmation surgery. Social challenges, such as discrimination and stress, and emphasizes the need for accurate data to address LGBTQ+ health effectively are also discussed.

Part 2: Physical Health Concerns of LGBTQ+ Community explains about sexual and reproductive health, including gender affirming hysterectomies and fertility options. It provides guidance on safe sex practices, birth control options, and emergency contraception, along with tips for sexual hygiene. This part describes common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sexual and gender minorities, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, genital herpes, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and viral hepatitis. It concludes by highlighting the prevention of STIs through screening, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis and vaccine recommendations for the LGBTQ+ community.

Part 3: LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Well-Being discusses the unique mental health challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities, including the trauma of shame, rejection, and low self-esteem. It explores the risk of child maltreatment for LGBT individuals and examines violent victimization based on sexual orientation and gender identity, such as LGBT bullying, homophobic hate crimes, and the importance of an effective law enforcement response. This part further describes mental health conditions and substance use among sexual and gender minority populations. It concludes by discussing age-specific behavioral health trends and tips for improving emotional and social well-being.

Part 4: Social and Legal Considerations for LGBTQ+ Community provides a brief on the right to inclusive education, creating safe and supportive learning environments, and supporting transgender and intersex youth in school. It explains in detail the demographics of LGBTQ families, exploring marriage, relationships, and comparing same sex couples to opposite sex couples. The part also discusses family patterns, parenting, and the process of coming out to parents at any age, highlighting the importance of family acceptance and support. It covers LGBTQ employment issues, including support for gender transition in the workplace and the need for equal recognition for all LGBT families under employment.

Part 5: Inclusive Health and Social Care provides details on preventing stigma and discrimination in health care, addressing patient safety concerns for the LGBTQ+ population, and discussing beneficial therapeutic approaches for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. It also explains the importance of improving cultural competence to reduce health care disparities, emphasizing cultural sensitivity in health care and patient-centered care for transgender people, including the significance of gender pronouns. The part details gender-affirming care for young people and well-being of sexual and gender minority elders. It also briefs about health insurance coverage, access to health care, current trends, and challenges.

Part 6: Additional Information includes a glossary of terms and a directory of organizations to provide more information about LGBTQ+ health.