SPECIFIC HEALTH NEEDS OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY

    ALL GROUPS

      Substance Abuse

      • There is a high percentage of substance abuse
      • Screen for alcohol, drug, and cigarette abuse.

      Sexually Transmitted Infections
      • Prophylaxis
      • Screening and education about HIV, HPV, and other diseases
      • provide universal screens, without limiting tests due to assumptions about needs.

      Mental Health Issues
      • Depression
      • Anxiety
      • Relational problems
      • Issues related to coming out
      • Chronic mental health conditions
      • Eating Disorders
      • Grief and loss (death, infertility, divorce)
      • Social Service needs-(unemployment, poverty, disability)

      Trauma related issues
      • Domestic Violence
      • Sexual assault
      • Childhood sexual abuse
      • Bias-related violence

      Family planning
      • Getting Pregnant or surrogacy.
      • Adoption
      • Infertility

    LESBIANS
    • Possibly high rate of breast and cervical cancer due to not having children and avoiding regular gynecologic check.
    • Family planning.
    • High rate of cigarette smoking increases risk of associated cancers.

    GAY MEN

    • High risk of HIV-there has been a notable rise in HIV among gay youth.
    • High risk of hepatitis
    • High risk of rectal cancer
    • High rate of cigarette smoking increases risk of associated cancers.

    BISEXUALS

    • Possible risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, depending on sexual behaviors.
    • Need for information about family planning and cancer screening.
    • Many people who appear to be heterosexual may be behaviorally bisexual.

    TRANSGENDERED

    • Surgery both reassignment and/or cosmetic.
    • Electrolysis (expensive).
    • Hormone Treatment-(hormones can have side effects including blood clotting, strokes and anemia).
    • High risk of HIV from prostitution for money for surgery.
    • High risk of violence if discovered.
    • Post-operative transsexuals can become "stealth" and avoid health treatment for issues related to their birth gender.

    Rainbow Access Initiative is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
    These materials were produced through a grant from the New York State Department of Health.
    You may not use them without the written permission of Rainbow Access Initiative, Inc.
    Permission may be obtained by contacting the Director.