The health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, a global and diverse population, remain critical issues demanding continuous attention and dedicated research. Individuals within the LGBTQ+ community are disproportionately affected by a spectrum of health disparities. Research by organizations like the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the specific healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, contrasting starkly with those of the cisgender and heterosexual populations.These disparities stem from a range of social determinants, including discrimination and minority stress. As a result, this group faces increased vulnerability to certain health issues, limited access to healthcare, and poorer treatment outcomes. The reluctance of LGBTQ+ patients to fully disclose their health histories, due to fear of heightened discrimination and stigma, exacerbates these challenges. Therefore, fostering research dedicated to the unique health needs of the LGBTQ+ community is crucial.This Research Topic aims to create an interdisciplinary platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences, contributing to the shaping of future health strategies for the LGBT+ community. This collection seeks to address the health inequities faced by LGBT+ individuals, focusing on specific health challenges that are often overlooked or inadequately addressed in mainstream medical research and practice.To achieve this, the Research Topic invites contributions that explore a broad range of topics, including mental health, sexual health, transgender healthcare, the effects of discrimination on health outcomes and strategies for improving healthcare access and quality for LGBT+ individuals. Emphasis will be placed on recent advances and innovative approaches in healthcare that not only recognize the unique needs of the LGBT+ community but also promote inclusive and equitable health services. By fostering a deeper understanding and awareness, this collection aims to contribute to the advancement of healthcare that is responsive and respectful to the needs of the LGBT+ community. This Research Topic is dedicated to covering a wide range of themes that address the complex health challenges and disparities experienced by the LGBT+ community.This Research Topic welcomes submissions that address, but are not limited to the following:• Mental Health: Exploring the psychological impact of minority stress, stigma, and discrimination, and interventions to improve mental health outcomes;• Sexual Health: Studies on sexual health needs, practices, and healthcare provision within the LGBT+ community;• Transgender Health: Research on the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by transgender individuals, including hormone therapy and surgical care;• Healthcare Access and Equity: Examination of barriers to healthcare access and strategies to improve healthcare quality for LGBT+ individuals;• Impact of Socioeconomic Factors: Analysis of how socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and education, affect the health of LGBT+ individuals.
The health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, a global and diverse population, remain critical issues demanding continuous attention and dedicated research. Individuals within the LGBTQ+ community are disproportionately affected by a spectrum of health disparities. Research by organizations like the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the specific healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, contrasting starkly with those of the cisgender and heterosexual populations.These disparities stem from a range of social determinants, including discrimination and minority stress. As a result, this group faces increased vulnerability to certain health issues, limited access to healthcare, and poorer treatment outcomes. The reluctance of LGBTQ+ patients to fully disclose their health histories, due to fear of heightened discrimination and stigma, exacerbates these challenges. Therefore, fostering research dedicated to the unique health needs of the LGBTQ+ community is crucial.This Research Topic aims to create an interdisciplinary platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences, contributing to the shaping of future health strategies for the LGBT+ community. This collection seeks to address the health inequities faced by LGBT+ individuals, focusing on specific health challenges that are often overlooked or inadequately addressed in mainstream medical research and practice.To achieve this, the Research Topic invites contributions that explore a broad range of topics, including mental health, sexual health, transgender healthcare, the effects of discrimination on health outcomes and strategies for improving healthcare access and quality for LGBT+ individuals. Emphasis will be placed on recent advances and innovative approaches in healthcare that not only recognize the unique needs of the LGBT+ community but also promote inclusive and equitable health services. By fostering a deeper understanding and awareness, this collection aims to contribute to the advancement of healthcare that is responsive and respectful to the needs of the LGBT+ community. This Research Topic is dedicated to covering a wide range of themes that address the complex health challenges and disparities experienced by the LGBT+ community.This Research Topic welcomes submissions that address, but are not limited to the following:• Mental Health: Exploring the psychological impact of minority stress, stigma, and discrimination, and interventions to improve mental health outcomes;• Sexual Health: Studies on sexual health needs, practices, and healthcare provision within the LGBT+ community;• Transgender Health: Research on the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by transgender individuals, including hormone therapy and surgical care;• Healthcare Access and Equity: Examination of barriers to healthcare access and strategies to improve healthcare quality for LGBT+ individuals;• Impact of Socioeconomic Factors: Analysis of how socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and education, affect the health of LGBT+ individuals.