22
Percent of gays and lesbians in a recent survey who had no health insurance.
12
Percent of straight survey respondents with no insurance.
15
Percent of gay, lesbian and bi people who said they delayed health care for fear of discrimination.
3
Percent of heterosexuals who say they delay healthcare over discrimination fears.
30
Percent of transgender people surveyed who said they had experienced harassment or violence in health care.
Homophobic attitudes don’t just hurt feelings. They also have a direct impact on LGBT health.
“The stigma and discrimination that the LGBT community faces is a primary factor in the health disparities that affect our community,” says Hector Vargas, executive director of the national Gay & Lesbian Medical Association.”
Access to quality healthcare is a key issue.
“One of our surveys shows that LGB people delay seeking medical care at almost twice the rate of the heterosexual population,” Vargas says.