Abstract
The main purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the LGBT with the primary goal of creating social equality and health conditions for LGTB individuals. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender terms comprehensively describe distinct groups within the gay community (Meyer, 2016). Primary data sources, including interviews among groups and movements that support LGTB, and data extracted from secondary sources, are essential sources that provide reliable information that is analyzed based on the findings on the status of the social and health of the LGTB communities. The results based on the research indicate a common goal among organizations and movements entailing strategies for creating a favorable environment with social equality in various basic life fields, including health conditions (Hafeez et al., 2017). Some organizations and movements have put focus on building communities for LGBT and intensifying work towards liberating the broader society from homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia.
The research on LGBT aims to build a world that offers social equality and equal treatment in all social life aspects for all individuals, including the vulnerable communities associated with LGTB. The world can reach a level of social equality among vulnerable communities, including LGBT-associated individuals, through facilitating and supporting efforts made by clinicians, academics, policymakers, and researchers (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014). These groups can play a significant role in eliminating the barriers to social equality for the LGBT communities to improve the health outcomes and social being of the gender and sexual minority populations, including the LGBT communities.
Introduction
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender terms comprehensively describe distinct groups within the gay community (Meyer, 2016). Several research objectives in this area include uncovering the nature of health disparities among LGBT populations, understanding factors contributing to these disparities, and recommending approaches to improve health outcomes for vulnerable groups. These objectives can be accomplished by strengthening the network of organizations and movements to provide social equality to LGBT people. In addition to promoting strategies that change the perception towards LGTB people in the world population (Hafeez et al., 2017), these organizations also contribute significantly to improving access to quality healthcare services. According to Kissack (1995), most of the literature on LGBT populations is based on studies about gay men, and lesbians are excluded from most of these studies. In other words, this research report represents the first time a study focuses on bisexual, transgender women in relation to health issues.
There have been repeated calls for improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people (LGBT) since 1990 (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014; Meyer & Northrop, 2016). Vulnerable groups such as sexual minorities suffer from psychological distress and have higher rates of physical illness (Meyer et al., 2016). Despite all this, there is no more evidence that social inequality is a significant factor contributing to health disparities among sexual minorities. Without more evidence, research has never been conducted to explore the causal relationship between social inequity and health outcomes for sexual minorities.
Thesis Statement
Sexual minority groups, including LGBT people, are victims of social inequity and discrimination, and it is a significant factor contributing to health disparity among vulnerable groups in the world.
Health Disparities in Transgender Women
Transgender women suffer from multiple social inequalities. Research shows that transgender women experience discrimination based on their gender identity and sexual orientation (Hafeez et al., 2017). Social inequality, one of the key factors contributing to health disparities among vulnerable groups worldwide, especially among bisexual and transgender women, can be addressed by undertaking more research studies. The health conditions of transgender women are quite complex since they are disadvantaged in multiple ways, and the health issues of bisexual, transgender women have not been studied at length. Therefore, this study is aimed to provide an overview of the current health issues and health disparities affecting bisexual and transgender women in the world.
Bisexual Transgenders
It is important to examine the relationship between LGBT people and their health systematically. Research on LGBT people has shown that social inequalities affect their mental and interpersonal lives (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014). Some studies have reported that LGBT people feel unsafe in most social situations (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2013). According to Hafeez et al. (2017), the health issues of LGBT people are inextricably linked to social inequalities.
According to Meyer and Northrop (2016), heterosexual people, including bisexuals and transgender women, are marginalized in our society because the general population ignores them. The bisexual community is one of the most vulnerable groups among sexual minorities. Bisexuals face significant health issues related to their gender identity, and social inequalities continue to adversely affect the health outcomes of bisexual and transgender women. Sexual minority groups such as bisexuals include 17 million individuals and represent approximately 4% of the population in the United States, 4% in Europe, and 0.34% in Australia (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014; Meyer, 2016). Sycamore (2004) reported that bisexuals face health challenges, including increased rates of asthma, sexually transmitted infections, and substance abuse compared with heterosexual people. This fact suggests that bisexuals remain socially isolated because they do not perceive such behaviors as appropriate for heterosexuals or homosexuals (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014).
Several studies have reported that bisexuals have poorer health outcomes than heterosexuals and homosexuals (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014; Meyer, 2016). Compared with heterosexual women, bisexual women have a higher rate of sexually transmitted infections and cancer. Although it is still unclear whether bisexual women of all ages are associated with non-heterosexual orientation (Hafeez et al., 2017), some studies suggest that sexual orientation does not determine the health status of bisexuals. In some cases, people with non-heterosexual orientations may be healthier than heterosexual people (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014).
Gay Males
The health of gay men in the United States is typically worse than that of heterosexual men and women, especially regarding sexually transmitted infections and HIV (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014). In general, compared with heterosexual adults, gay-identified men have a higher rate of suicide attempts. According to Kissack (1995), the health of gay men has a negative impact on their physical and mental health outcomes, especially when they cannot receive needed treatment because of social inequalities.
Lesbians
LGBT people, including lesbians and bisexuals, experience discrimination in the United States (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014; Meyer, 2016). The health issues associated with LGBT people are also related to the stigma they experience in society. Lesbians have higher rates of hepatitis C than heterosexual women (Meyer et al., 2016). Women who have sex with women have a higher rate of physical injury and mental disorders such as panic disorder and eating disorders (Kissack, 1995).
Safety and Security Issues Faced by LGBT Communities
The safety and security issues faced by LGBT people are closely linked to the social inequalities in society. Hobson (2016) reported that gay and bisexual men were more likely to face physical and sexual violence than heterosexual individuals. These security issues also affect their mental and physical health outcomes. For example, gay men are more likely to use alcohol, which puts them at risk of developing cirrhosis (Hobson, 2016). The social inequalities faced by LGBT people are one of the main factors contributing to health disparities among vulnerable groups in the world. According to Hanhardt (2018), drug abuse is common among gay and bisexual men. The research also shows that LGBT people are more likely to experience bullying and abuse by their peers (Hobson, 2016). These hostile situations may lead to physical challenges, including depression, poor concentration, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Studies indicate that gay men have higher rates of bipolar disorder than heterosexual individuals (Hanhardt, 2018). Bullying can take place in the workplace, school, or neighborhood. However, young people have not received much attention from health researchers; thus, it is unclear whether discrimination and bullying contribute to the health disparities among sexual minority groups in the United States (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014).
Targeted Health Interventions
The health disparities among vulnerable groups in the United States are widespread and often not related to income or race (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014). This can be attributed to social inequalities that lead LGBT people to experience discrimination in society. These disabilities are prompting the need for holistic programs that focus on strengthening the self-esteem and resilience of LGBT individuals. For example, healthcare professionals should monitor how LGBT people navigate different healthcare settings and how they cope with these situations. This is especially important because many LGBT individuals may not disclose their sexual orientation due to discrimination (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014).
LGBT people should also be aware of their mental and physical health. Although homosexuality is forbidden in many religions, Muslims have a higher rate of suicide compared with other religious groups in the United States. These negative attitudes are coupled with policies and laws that discriminate against LGBT people. Moreover, LGBT individuals face strong social stigma from their families and the general population (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014). This can be problematic for LGBT people because they may not feel like they can confide in someone about their mental or physical health. According to Sycamore (2004), LGBT people should have greater access to healthcare services and be given a more comprehensive health plan. These individuals should be able to have access to services such as HIV/AIDS counseling, hormone replacement therapies, and surgery. Additionally, clinicians and medical professionals must pay attention to the LGBT population’s experiences dealing with mental disorders or medical issues.
Conclusion
The health disparities among vulnerable groups in the United States are widespread and are not only related to race or income. These disabilities are prompting the need for holistic programs that focus on strengthening the self-esteem and resilience of LGBT people. For example, healthcare professionals should monitor how LGBT people navigate different healthcare settings and how they cope with these situations. This is especially important because many LGBT individuals may not disclose their sexual orientation due to discrimination. LGBT people should also be aware of their mental and physical health. Although homosexuality is forbidden in many religions, Muslims have a higher rate of suicide compared with other religious groups in the United States. These negative attitudes are coupled with policies and laws that discriminate against LGBT people. Moreover, LGBT individuals face strong social stigma from their families and the general population. This can be problematic for LGBT people because they may not feel like they can confide in someone about their mental or physical health. According to Sycamore (2004), LGBT people should have greater access to healthcare services and be given a more comprehensive health plan. These individuals should be able to have access to services such as HIV/AIDS counseling, hormone replacement therapies, and surgery.
References
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