LGBTQ+ People
LGBTQ+ people are individuals whose gender, sexual orientation, and/or romantic orientation is different from the heterosexual, cisgender norms most commonly-accepted in our society. LGBTQ+ is an umbrella acronym that references an incredible diversity of nuanced human identities, including: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Agender, Two Spirit, Nonbinary, Gender Fluid, Genderqueer, Gender Non-Conforming (GNC), Asexual, Aromantic, Demisexual, Demiromantic, Pansexual, Graysexual, Questioning, and many more.
LGBTQ+ people belong everywhere. They deserve to live open, authentic lives without fear of discrimination, harassment, judgement, or violence. Despite decades of tireless advocacy, however, LGBTQ+ people still experience disproportionately worse health outcomes, endure ongoing discrimination, and are four times more likely to experience violence than their straight and cisgender peers. These disparities are often further compounded by isolation and a lack of access to appropriate primary and mental health care. LGBTQ+ individuals who are Transgender, disabled, youth, and/or people of color are most impacted.
There are many factors–both historical and contemporary–which give rise to and perpetuate these harsh disparities. One significant factor is the lack of consistent legal protections regarding gender identity, expression, and sexual/romantic orientation. Decisions and policies—such as appropriate use of force by law enforcement, bathroom rights, businesses’ rights to refuse service, HIV criminalization laws, and transgender healthcare standards—vary dramatically by state and local jurisdiction. When layered with similar lack of protections against racial injustice, the risks are even more significant for LGBTQ+ people of color.
Equal rights, personal safety, equitable health outcomes, and social inclusion and belonging are all fundamental building blocks of individual and community wellbeing. LGBTQ+ people deserve to live fulfilling lives as their authentic selves, safe in their home communities. When we advocate for the wellbeing of marginalized community members, we advocate for the wellbeing of entire communities.
Changes to policies and laws that protect LGBTQ+ people at home, at work, and in public, regardless of their state or local jurisdiction, can improve LGBTQ+ peoples’ wellbeing at scale. Local communities can support LGBTQ+ businesses, create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, push for EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) trainings, and advocate for policies that protect LGBTQ+ people from violence, harassment, and discrimination in all aspects of their lives.
Resources & Tools
Beyond Allyship: Leveraging Activism Tools to Improve Transgender and Nonbinary Health
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Brought to you by Community Commons
Published on 01/26/2022
Beyond Inclusion: Pronoun Use for Health and Well-Being
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Brought to you by Community Commons
Published on 10/20/2021
The Growing Gap: Gender Pay Equity, Meaningful Work, and Wealth during COVID-19
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Brought to you by Community Commons
Identifying the Intersection of Trauma and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Resource - Guide/handbook
Inclusive Bathroom Signage Recommendations
Resource - Guide/handbook
Brought to you by State of Washington Office of Financial Management
Celebrating and Supporting LGBTQ+ People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Resource - Journal Article
Queer, Disabled People Like Me Are Excluded From LGBTQ+ Spaces – It Is Dividing Our Community
Resource - Journal Article
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Persons & Socioeconomic Status
Resource - Fact Sheet
Brought to you by APA
Study Affirms LGBTQ People are More Likely to Have a Disability than the General Population
Resource - Journal Article
LGBTQ Vets Discharged Under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Have New Chance For Full Benefits
Resource - Journal Article
Rural LGBTQ+ Americans Face Health Disparities, But Communities Revealed Strengths
Resource - Blog
Brought to you by Health Affairs
The Role of the Laboratory in Providing Effective Healthcare to the Transgender Community
Resource - Journal Article
Arresting dress: A timeline of anti-cross-dressing laws in the United States
Resource - Journal Article
Cities and Counties with Non-Discrimination Ordinances that Include Gender Identity
Resource - Website/webpage
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Primary Care Initiated Gender-Affirming Therapy for Gender Dysphoria: A Review of Evidence Based Guidelines
Resource - Journal Article
Stress and Trauma Toolkit for Treating LGBTQ People in a Changing Political and Social Environment
Resource - Guide/handbook
Federal Evidence Agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity
Resource - Report
Brought to you by National Science and Technology Council
What does the scholarly research say about the effect of gender transition on transgender well-being?
Resource - Data Bank/repository
In Common Newsletter: The Growing Gap
Resource
Brought to you by Community Commons
Published on 03/23/2022
Guidelines for the Primary and Gender-Affirming Care of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary People
Resource - Guide/handbook
LGBT Data: Who Is Helping to Fill the Gap?
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Brought to you by Community Commons
Published on 01/19/2017
Video: For Trans People, It’s Difficult and Costly to Update an ID. But It Can Also Be Dangerous Not To.
Story - Video
Brought to you by ProPublica
Counting All in Our Communities: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data
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Brought to you by Community Commons
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Taking Action to End Gun Violence: Our Top Tools, Resources, Stories, and Data
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Brought to you by Community Commons
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