Physical & Sexual Health in the LGBTQIA+ Community
LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience discrimination in today’s society, which includes in with healthcare. Healthcare is often avoided by members of the community due to experiences of judgement or prejudice by healthcare professionals. This is not always the case but one bad experience can make us avoid anything similar happening again. Specifically within healthcare, this can cause these people to miss out on necessary treatment and lead to poor physical health.
The NHS have worked to educate their staff around LGBTQ+ issues to avoid these situations. The NHS have created an LGBTQIA+ Action Plan, launched in July 2018, to provide support with…
- Reducing LGBT health inequalities and improve access and experience
- Sexual Orientation monitoring, as well as inclusive gender and trans status monitoring
- Professional Awareness provided across the service, with extensive education and training for all professions.
Based on 2017 National LGBT Survey:
- 80% of transgender respondents advised that they found it difficult to access gender identity clinics.
- 38% of LGBT individuals had a negative experience with public health services due to gender identity.
LGBT+ people are more likely to be living with long-term physical or mental health problems. They are also more likely to report poorer healthcare outcomes.
Gay and Bisexual men are most likely to contract STIs. HIV infection is at an all-time high.
1 in 4 men who are HIV positive are unaware – Importance of getting tested.
HIV is not an exclusive disease for Gay men.
Lesbian and Bisexual women are still at risk of STIs, despite misleading information that may suggest they are not. Two women who are both menstruating are at a higher risk.
Exchanging bodily fluids can cause development of STIs.
Protection is still required when same sex couples are intimate to prevent the spread of STIs, despite stigma implying that protection is not required.
The NHS provide a complete guide to conditions, symptoms, and treatments, including what to do and when to get help. Click here to access the Health A to Z. The NHS also provide specific sexual health information for gay and bisexual men, and specific info for lesbian and bisexual women.
The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provide specific information around Sexual Health for the LGBTQ+ community. Click here to view.
The LGBT Foundation provide resources and information surrounding many physical and sexual health topics…
- Physical Examinations – Can I ask for the gender of my doctor?
- Sexual Health information
- Stop Smoking
- Sexual Health Information specifically for Trans & Non-binary people
- Guide for Trans Patients and GPs
- Sexual Health Clinic 101
akt provides information around inclusive LGBTQ+ sexual health services. Click here to view.
LGBTQIA+ Knowledge and Support
Explore our dedicated section on LGBTQIA+ topics, where you can find essential information and resources to support and understand diverse identities. Here, you’ll find resources and information to help you understand and support yourself or others within the LGBTQIA+ community. Join us in creating a more inclusive and understanding world.