Health disparities are defined as differences in health status between different groups of people that can be attributed to social, economic, environmental, and political factors such as income level, education, race/ethnicity, gender identity, immigration status, disability, and geographic location (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2019). Queer communities refer to individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, non-binary, pansexual, demisexual, polyamorous, omnisexual, aromantic, asexual, etc. Marginalized queer communities are those whose members face additional barriers due to their intersectional identities such as racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, poverty, and religious discrimination (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2021). This article will discuss how health disparities highlight systemic inequalities affecting marginalized queer communities.
Systemic Inequalities Affecting Marginalized Queer Communities
Systemic inequalities refer to structural, institutional, or societal factors that produce unequal outcomes for some groups of people compared to others (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). They result from policies, laws, and cultural norms that perpetuate oppression based on categories like sex, sexuality, race, class, ability, religion, or national origin (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). Queer communities experience these inequalities in various ways that impact their physical and mental well-being. Some examples include:
* Lack of access to healthcare services because of medical providers' lack of knowledge, training, acceptance, or inclusionary practices around the needs of transgender individuals (American Medical Association, 2020)
* High rates of HIV/AIDS infection among gay men, especially African American and Latino men who have sex with men (CDC, 2020a)
* Lower life expectancy for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women due to higher rates of smoking, drug use, and obesity (CDC, 2020b)
* Increased risk of violence against transgender people, particularly those living in low-income areas or experiencing homelessness (Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 2021)
* Disproportionate prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth compared to heterosexual peers (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021)
Health Disparities Resulting From Systemic Inequalities
Health disparities are differences in health outcomes between different groups of people that can be attributed to social, economic, environmental, and political factors. They affect marginalized queer communities disproportionately because they face additional barriers due to their intersecting identities. These disparities may manifest as:
* Limited access to quality care because of discrimination by medical professionals, lack of insurance coverage, or cultural and linguistic barriers (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2020)
* Reduced physical activity due to lack of safe spaces, employment opportunities, and transportation options (National Institutes of Health, 2021)
* Higher incidence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory illnesses (CDC, 2020c)
* Greater rates of substance abuse, mental illness, and sexual assault (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2021)
* Increased risk of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes for pregnant transgender individuals due to the lack of inclusive policies and practices in hospitals (LGBTQ Healthcare Equality, 2021)
Solutions To Address Health Disparities Among Marginalized Queer Communities
To address health disparities among marginalized queer communities, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations should work together to create more inclusive policies and programs. Some suggested solutions include:
* Expanding research on LGBTQ+ health issues to identify gaps in knowledge, develop culturally appropriate interventions, and inform evidence-based practices (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2020)
* Implementing training for medical providers on LGBTQ+ competency to improve access and quality of care (American Medical Association, 2020)
* Funding LGBTQ+-specific health centers and clinics to meet unique needs and provide safe spaces (Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 2021)
* Supporting grassroots organizations that advocate for equal treatment, promote diversity and inclusion, and raise awareness about queer identities (Center for American Progress, 2021)
* Collaborating with local governments to enact legislation protecting LGBTQ+ rights such as anti-discrimination laws,
How do health disparities highlight systemic inequalities affecting marginalized queer communities?
Health disparities are the unfair differences between groups of people that have an impact on their overall wellbeing. Systemic inequalities refer to the institutional structures and practices that perpetuate these disparities. Marginalized queer communities face many different types of health disparities due to multiple factors such as discrimination, lack of access to care, poverty, and more.