About the GLBT Health Webpages

These webpages address the health concerns of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, also known as "GLBT" people and "sexual minorities."

• Most of the health concerns of GLBT people are no different from those of anyone else. For example, we can all benefit from eating five fruits and vegetables a day, exercising for at least 30 minutes four times a week, washing our hands regularly, and always wearing our seat belts.
  
  
• Some health concerns, however, are specific to the GLBT community. For example, many GLBT people are subjected to discrimination and outright violence, and this increases stress and can take a toll on mental health. Lesbians may be more at risk for certain cancers and less at risk for others based on specific behaviors and choices. Not only are gay and bisexual men at greater risk for HIV, there is also mounting evidence that they are more likely to smoke than heterosexual men, and this could increase gay and bisexual men's risk for lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease.
  
  
• In addition, GLBT people generally receive less health care than the population as a whole and the quality of their care also suffers. Due in part to negative past experiences and mistrust of the medical profession, they tend to visit health care providers less often. GLBT people are often guarded about discussing their sexual behavior with health care providers, fearing that "coming out" will lead to discrimination. Finally, GLBT people often have less access to health insurance, as most workplace policies do not cover unmarried partners.

These web pages are designed to discuss the particular health concerns of the GLBT community and to provide tools to health care providers to ensure that health care environments are welcoming.

Public Health - Seattle & King County believes that the GLBT community is an important part of the rich and varied mosaic of our city, county, and nation, and we are proud to present these webpages.

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The GLBT Health Webpages were funded in part by a grant from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine.