Primary Care For The LGBTQIA+ Community

Approximately 4.5% of the US population identifies as LGBTQIA+. Young people are more likely than older individuals to identify as gender or sexual minorities. As a minority group, LGBTQIA+ people experience chronic stress from stigma, bias, discrimination, and physical or verbal attacks. The associated health outcomes often include:

  • Anxiety, depression, and suicide
  • Substance use disorders
  • HIV and sexually transmitted infections
  • Avoidance of preventative healthcare, particularly mammography and cervical cancer screening


For more information, see the Fenway Institute’s Learning module on Foundations of LGBTQIA+ Health. 

LGBTQIA+ Glossary of Terms

Becoming familiar with terms used by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQIA+) can help you provide patients with the highest quality care.

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Data Collection

These videos from the Fenway Institute demonstrate best practices in sexual orientation and gender identity data collection. They address common questions and issues that arise for frontline and clinical staff when asking patients about their sexual orientation and gender identity.

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Signage

These posters from the Fenway Institute can be displayed to let patients know that your health center is a welcoming place for everyone. Your organization’s logo can be added to the poster. 

Youth Version

Adult Version

Additional Resources

See the Fenway Institute’s 10 Strategies for Health Care Environments.

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Treating LGBTQIA+ Health Across the Lifespan

Children

A 2022 study in the journal Pediatrics found that children who begin identifying as transgender at young age tend to retain that identity.

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Children

Eating and body image disorders are more common in LGBTQIA+ Children. For more information, view this webinar from the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center, a HRSA-funded NTTAP Health at the Intersection of Body Image, Identity, and Development: LGBTQIA+ Children and Youth 

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Children

To learn more about engaging the families of transgender and gender diverse children, see this joint publication from the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council.


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Adolescents

This 2021 article from the Journal of Pediatrics provides guidance on screening and treatment to reduce suicide risk among sexual and gender minority youth.

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Adolescents

A 2022 study found lower odds of depression and suicidality in transgender and nonbinary youths receiving gender-affirming care. 

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Adolescents

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a behavioral health crisis de-escalation resource, with connection to local resources and emergency help when needed.

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