Health Inequalities for LBGTQ (Essay Sample)

Health Inequalities for LBGTQ Name Institution Date Health Inequalities for LBGTQ Inequalities in health among various groups of individuals are known as health disparities. LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) individuals encounter several health disparities. They have poorer health outcomes, a greater likelihood of developing certain illnesses, and less access to medical care (NHS England, 2019). Health inequalities can be seen in accessibility to care, physical health, and behavioral health. Nearly every race, ethnicity, religion, age, and socioeconomic status is represented in the LGBTQ+ community. Health inequalities are how marginalized populations are adversely impacted by illness, injury, and violence than other groups of people. Inadequate access to quality healthcare is frequently the cause of health disparities. Healthcare results for LGBT people are still poorer than for their heterosexual peers. LGBT individuals are more likely to develop cancer, mental illnesses, and other ailments and are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, use drugs, and participate in other harmful habits (NHS England, 2019). It is due to low medical insurance rates, high-stress levels brought on by deliberate abuse and prejudice, and an absence of cultural skills in the healthcare system. Some face double discrimination; for instance, black LGBT will face disparities common to the African-American people plus those suffered by the LGBT. The disparities are the lack of healthcare insurance coverage, LGBT stigma, and lack of competent care. The stigma allows LGBT persons to experience frequent harassment and discrimination beginning at a young age, which has a detrimental impact on their mental health and causes them to take more risks and put themselves at risk of injury. Most leave their jobs when harassed and discriminated against and cannot afford insurance coverage (Medina-Martínez et al., 2022). Lack of competent care happens when healthcare professionals are not aware of the unique needs of their LGBT patients because the LGBT population tends to keep their minority status a...