Define and describe for lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals.
Gender and sexuality concepts.
Social and political context.
Social determinants of health affecting lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals.
Barriers to health care.
Health care disparities.
The social and political context for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LBT) individuals has been a history of marginalization and struggle for recognition. Before the late 20th century, homosexuality and gender non-conformity were often pathologized as mental illnesses. The Stonewall Riots of 1969 served as a turning point, galvanizing a social and political movement for rights and visibility. While significant progress has been made, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage, LBT individuals continue to face discrimination, harassment, and violence. Politically, ongoing debates about anti-discrimination laws, gender-affirming care, and bathroom access highlight the persistent challenges in achieving full equality.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. For LBT individuals, these include:
Socioeconomic Status: Discrimination in employment and housing can lead to higher rates of poverty and housing instability.
Education: LBT youth often face bullying and harassment in school, which can negatively impact educational attainment.
Social and Community Context: Stigma and a lack of family or community support can lead to social isolation and higher rates of mental health issues.
Discrimination: Experiencing discrimination in daily life, known as minority stress, can lead to chronic stress, which contributes to physical and mental health problems.
Lesbian: A woman who is primarily emotionally, romantically, and/or sexually attracted to other women. The term refers to a sexual orientation.
Bisexual: An individual who is emotionally, romantically, and/or sexually attracted to more than one gender. This is a sexual orientation that challenges the binary of heterosexual and homosexual attraction.
Transgender: A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person who was assigned female at birth but identifies and lives as a man is a transgender man. This term relates to a person's gender identity, which is distinct from their sexual orientation.