Are there any health risks more prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community?
There are no diseases that result from being gay, but there are some other health risks that tend to be more prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community that you should be aware of:
For men who have sex with men:
- Higher rates of STDs, Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS (the rate of HIV diagnoses is 44 times the rate of HIV diagnoses of other men)
- Higher risk of depression
- More likely to use tobacco or drugs
For women who have sex with women:
- Higher risk of obesity, heart disease, depression
- More likely to use tobacco and drink
- Higher risk for breast, cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancer
- Higher risk of STDs
For people who identify as transgender:
- Higher rates of suicide attempts
- More likely to use tobacco or drugs
- Higher risk of STDs
- Gender dysphoria
The bottom line is you need to get tested and practice safe sex, no matter what your orientation! Check out GSA Network to learn more.