LGBTQ + positive self-images matter and save lives
Dr. Bill Buffie, an Indiana interrnist and a gay-rights supporter, tells the terrible story of a lesbian young woman who refused to see a doctor, because she was terrified of coming out to one, even a woman. Indiana is conservative country and this woman was raised to live in shame about her sexuality.
Having missed routine breast care screenings, she developed a large metastatic breast tumor. It quickly became untreatable and she died at age 32.
What are barriers to health care for LGBTQ people?
Access to care. LGBTQ+ people have less access to the health care they need. They are:
- Less likely to have health insurance.
- More likely to delay getting care, especially in older LGBTQ+ adults.
- More likely to report lack of cultural competence by health care providers.
- More likely to report poor quality of care and unfair treatment by healthcare providers.
What causes these disparities?
There are many causes of the health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ people. These include:
- The minority status of LGBTQ+ people
- A lack of specific education and training for health care workers
- A lack of clinical research on LGBTQ+ health-related issues
- Restrictive health benefits
- Limited role models
- Fear due to stigma, discrimination, and institutional bias in the health care system.
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