Queer Health

Resources

www.amsa.org/gender - AMSA’s Gender & Sexuality Committee
www.lgbthealth.net – National Coalition for LGBT Health
www.glma.org – Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
http://transequality.org/ –National Center for Transgender Equality
http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/Health_Center/ - USC Student Health Center
- The University Park Health Center is a resource that provides sensitive medical care for all health concerns or for general health maintenance. The Men’s and Women’s Clinic provide services for maintenance of sexual health and STI screening including HIV
http://www.drugwatch.com/ - educates the public about thousands of prescription and over-the-counter medications and their side effects, including many drugs related to sexuality and health. According to a 2001 study by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, members of the LGBT community often find it difficult to seek health services and information, resulting in delayed diagnoses and poor treatment outcomes.
http://onlinenursingdegrees.org/nursingfacts/lgbt-resources.htm - Online Nursing - A Comprehensive LGBT Health Resource Guide

Transgender Health Care

Physical and sexual. One study showed 27% of transgender participants were victims of violence
- Murders reported in 20 states and 89 cities
- 14% of Washington Transgendered Needs Assessment Survey individuals reported being sexual assault victims
HIV. Increased prevalence in MTF individuals
- MTF sex workers at a particularly high risk for HIV
Substance abuse. Significant substance abuse noted, but lack of culturally sensitive substance programs hinders treatment
Suicidal ideation and attempt. Ideation rates of up to 64%, mainly due to gender identity issues
- Suicide attempt rates ranging from 16-37%
Lack of health insurance/health insurance coverage
- High rates of unemployment/poverty lead to high rates of uninsurance and poor routine health screening
- Hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery commonly rejected by major health insurance carriers
Sex reassignment complications. Most frequent complication is deep venous thromboembolism in MTF, also infertility, weight gain, and emotional liability
- For FTM, complications include heart disease, liver disease, mood changes, acne, and male pattern baldness

Gay Men’s Health Care

Cancer. increased risk for anal cancer unrelated to HIV/AIDS (35 per 100,000 vs 2 per 100,000 in gen pop’n)
- Risk factors include anal intercourse, history of STIs, smoking
HIV/AIDS. Men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for 53% of new cases in 2005
- 46% of African-American MSM in five large US cities HIV positive compared to 21% in white MSM
- Risk factors include unprotected anal intercourse, STIs, alcohol/illegal drug use, unknown serostatus
Mental health. Poor methodology of current studies, but increased rates of bipolar, major depressive, generalized anxiety and conduct disorders
Suicidality. Increased rate of suicidal ideation and attempts, especially in youth (3-7x gen. pop’n)
Eating disorders. Gay sexual identity a significant predictor of eating disorders in men
Vaccinations. All MSM recommended to receive Hepatitis A and B vaccinations; only 3% of MSM were vaccinated against Hepatitis B in 1996
STI’s. Increased risk of HAV, HBV, syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, herpes, urethritis, proctitis, pharyngitis, and prostatitis
Alcohol/tobacco. 42% smoking rate in gay men vs. 29% of gen pop’n
- Current alcohol studies equivocal, but more likely to be heavy drinkers

Lesbian Health Care

Cancer. Increased risk for breast cancer
- Risk factors include obesity, nulliparity, alcohol consumption, and decreased breast cancer screening
- increased risk of gynecologic cancers, compounded by the fact that they receive less frequent gynecologic care than heterosexual women can increase morbidity/mortality
Obesity. Lesbians more likely to be overweight or obese than heterosexual women
STIs. Little research done ,but women who have sex with women (WSW) can still transmit all STIs
- Increased rates of bacterial vaginosis
- For WSW who have sex with men as well, higher risk for acquiring HIV than heterosexual women
Substance abuse. More likely to drink and experience alcohol-related problems
- higher rates of cocaine and marijuana use
- found to smoke more than heterosexual women
Cardiovascular disease. May have increased risk due to higher rates of obesity and tobacco use than heterosexual counterparts
- risk compounded by the fact that lesbians seek health care less often than heterosexual women and consequently, less likely to receive blood pressure and cholesterol screening
Mental disorders. Depression rates comparable to heterosexual women, but relationship satisfaction and support system are significant predictors

Definitions

Sex: the anatomic distinction between male and female
Gender: the societal construct that is associated with men (masculinity) and women (femininity)
Sexual behavior: sexual activity
Sexual orientation: sexual and emotional attraction to another person
Sexual identity: expression and self-perception of one’s sexual orientation
FTM: female to male transgender
MTF: male to female transgender