baywindows.com – by Dr. Jennifer Potter – Director of the Women’s Health Program at Fenway Health
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans, in addition to having the same basic health needs as the general population, experience health disparities because of continuing discrimination and ignorance on the part of health professionals regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. Within underserved LGBT populations, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LBT) individuals are frequently overlooked, as the majority of research and funding continues to focus on gay men’s (and HIV-infected gay men’s) health. A growing body of evidence underscores the need for greater outreach and attention to the health care concerns of LBT people.