LGBTQ+ and Healthcare in America
Published on 6. February 2025
Book
Hardback
392 pages
978-1-4408-8031-5 (ISBN)
Description
Considers the issues that impact healthcare for LGBTQ+ Americans today and the negative influences that disproportionately affect the well-being of these communities, and presents a path forward to making needed improvements.
The health of LGBTQ+ Americans is affected by many historical achievements and failures, societal influences, economic disparities, cultural shifts, and political divisions that can greatly impact the world of medicine, especially given the COVID-19 pandemic. Each chapter examines these issues to identify the systemic factors and enduring consequences impacting these communities. First-hand accounts from LGBTQ+ individuals impacted by healthcare challenges are included between chapters through "In their Words" perspective essays. An extensive chronology of relevant people, events, and legislation places this topic in historical context and outlines the evolution of healthcare challenges as they relate to sexuality and gender identity.
Intended to be an encompassing reference for high school students, college students, and general readers alike, this overview not only explores the historical and contemporary complexities of this topic, but also proposes solutions for improvement and pathways to advocacy.
The health of LGBTQ+ Americans is affected by many historical achievements and failures, societal influences, economic disparities, cultural shifts, and political divisions that can greatly impact the world of medicine, especially given the COVID-19 pandemic. Each chapter examines these issues to identify the systemic factors and enduring consequences impacting these communities. First-hand accounts from LGBTQ+ individuals impacted by healthcare challenges are included between chapters through "In their Words" perspective essays. An extensive chronology of relevant people, events, and legislation places this topic in historical context and outlines the evolution of healthcare challenges as they relate to sexuality and gender identity.
Intended to be an encompassing reference for high school students, college students, and general readers alike, this overview not only explores the historical and contemporary complexities of this topic, but also proposes solutions for improvement and pathways to advocacy.
Reviews / Votes
This is an excellent resource for high-school, community-college, and allied health students. It would also be a good addition to public- and consumer-health-library collections. * Booklist *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Primary & secondary/elementary & high school
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
With dust jacket
Dimensions
Height: 238 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
804 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4408-8031-5 (9781440880315)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
R. K. Devlin
LGBTQ+ and Healthcare in America
E-Book
01/2025
1st Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€119.99
Available for download
Person
R.K. Devlin is an independent scholar in the USA. She holds a BS in exercise physiology, an MBS in biomechanics, and an MD with specialization in infectious diseases. She is the editor of Exercise and Physical Activity: From Health Benefits to Fitness Crazes (Greenwood, 2022) and the author of What You Need to Know About the Flu: Inside Diseases and Disorders (Greenwood, 2020) and Influenza: Biographies of Disease (Greenwood, 2008). She has also owned an independent bookstore, founded a literary nonprofit, and published numerous articles, blogs, and book reviews for various online and print publications.
Content
PREFACE
CHRONOLOGY
1. ISSUES AFFECTING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
Historical Context
Current Status
Minority Stress
Societal Disapproval
Familial Rejection and Neglect
Religious Persecution
Harassment, Bullying, and Verbal Abuse
Physical and Sexual Assault
School and Workplace Discrimination
Education
Employment
Microaggressions and Unfair Treatment
Barriers Affecting Access to Healthcare
Medical Provider Intimidation
Insufficient Number of LGBTQ+-Competent Providers
Increased Strain on Existing LGBTQ+ Providers
Lack of Insurance Coverage and Cost Issues
Other Barriers to Access
Homelessness
Part-Time Employment or Unemployment
Poverty
Transportation
Future Considerations
Educational and Workplace Reform
Revised Healthcare Institution Policies and Procedures
Targeted Healthcare Provider and Staff Education
Ongoing Advocacy and Legislative Action
Expanded Public Health Initiatives
Inclusive Scientific Research
IN THEIR WORDS: We Are Enough by Lex Meelker M.D.
2. TRANSGENDER AND GENDER-DIVERSE HEALTHCARE
Historical Context
Current Status
Gender Minority Stress
Societal Disapproval
Familial Rejection and Neglect
Religious Persecution
Harassment, Bullying, and Verbal Abuse
Physical and Sexual Assault
School and Workplace Discrimination
Education
Employment
Microaggressions and Unfair Treatment
Barriers Affecting Access to Healthcare
Insufficient Legal and Political Protections
Missing or Inaccurate Identity Documents
Lack of Insurance Coverage or Cost Issues
Provider Ignorance and Harassment
Specific Health Disparities
Bone Disease
Cancer
Cardiovascular Disease
Diabetes
Effects of Emotional, Physical, and Sexual Violence
Mental Health
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Substance Misuse and Abuse
Gender-Affirming Treatments
Nonsurgical Medical Treatments
Surgical Interventions
Male-to-Female
Female-to-Male
Future Considerations
Educational and Workplace Reform
Revised Healthcare Institution Policies and Procedures
Targeted Healthcare Provider and Staff Education
Ongoing Advocacy and Legislative Action
Expanded Public Health Initiatives
Inclusive Scientific Research
IN THEIR WORDS: The Consequences of Inadequate Data Collection for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity by Dr. Jay Knight
3. HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) AND ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)
Historical Context
Current Status
Disease Process
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Screening
Prevention of HIV Infection
Risk-Reduction Counseling and Harm-Reduction Interventions
Condom Use
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Circumcision
Targeted Screening of Pregnant Women
Treatment of STIs and Opioid Addiction
Future Considerations
Early Diagnosis and Detection of Clusters
Rapid and Effective Treatment
Improved Health Outcomes and Reduced Health Disparities
Ongoing Prevention Strategies
IN THEIR WORDS: Getting Clean While HIV Positive by Charles Lisee
4. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AND OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Sexual Health
Common Sexually Transmitted Infections
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Syphilis
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Trichomoniasis
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Chancroid
Granuloma Inguinale
Mycoplasma genitalium
Public Lice
Other Infectious Diseases
Bacterial Vaginosis
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Meningococcal Disease
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Mpox Virus
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Shigella
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Tuberculosis
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention of STIs and Other Infectious Diseases
Screening for Infection
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Hepatitis A Virus
Hepatitis B Virus
Hepatitis C Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus
Human Papilloma Virus
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
Tuberculosis
Behavior Education and Counseling
Condom Use
Hygienic Practices
Pre-Exposure Antimicrobial Prophylaxis and Vaccination
Hepatitis A Virus
Hepatitis B Virus
Human Papilloma Virus
Meningococcal Disease
Mpox Virus
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Adequate Identification and Treatment for Sex Partners
Future Considerations
Revised Sexual Health Paradigm
Consistent and Correct Condom Use
Compliance with Vaccination and Doxy-PEP
Web-Based Prevention Programs
IN THEIR WORDS: How I Found a Healthcare Provider Who Is An LGBTQ+ Ally by Paul Wright
5. CHRONIC DISEASES AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
Chronic Diseases
Cancer
Diabetes
Heart Disease and Stroke
Depression and Anxiety
Overweight and Obesity
Eating Disorders
Substance Use Disorders
Alcohol
Cannabis
Hallucinogens
Inhalants
Opioids
Sedative-Hypnotics and Anxiolytics
Stimulants
Tobacco Use and Vaping
Cancer
Childhood Illnesses
Diabetes
Heart Disease and Stroke
Lung Disease
Pregnancy Complications
Future Considerations
IN THEIR WORDS: March 28, 2019 by Zoey Ann O'Brien
6. LEGAL AND POLITICAL ISSUES AFFECTING LGBTQ+ HEALTHCARE
Previous Court Cases of Significance
One, Inc. v. Olesen U.S. Supreme Court Case
Rover v. Evans U.S. Supreme Court Case
Lawrence v. Texas U.S. Supreme Court Case
Howard v. Child Welfare Agency Review Board Court Case
Schroer v. Library of Congress Court Case
United States v. Windsor U.S. Supreme Court Case
Obergefell v. Hodges U.S. Supreme Court Case
Bostock v. Clayton County U.S. Supreme Court Case
Federal Legislation of Significance
Existing Federal Legislation
Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act
Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Pending Federal Legislation
Customer Non-Discrimination Act
Do No Harm Act
Equality Act
Fair and Equal Housing Act
FAMILY Act
Health Equity and Accountability Act
Healthy Families Act
Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act
John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act
Lower Costs, More Transparency Act
PrEP Access and Coverage Act
Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act
REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act
Safe Schools Improvement Act
Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act
Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act
State Legislation of Concern
Healthcare Policies
Identity Documentation
Misuse of Nondiscrimination and Public Accommodation Laws
School and Education
Free Speech and Expression
Other Anti-LGBTQ+ Rights
Municipal Legislation and Policies
Future Considerations
Advocating Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
Maximizing Public Health Measures
Promoting Inclusion and Diversity on School Boards
IN THEIR WORDS: Keeping My Family Happy and Healthy by Regina Gort
7. EFFECTS OF GLOBAL HEALTHCARE ON LGBTQ+ AMERICANS
Universal Healthcare
Historical Context
Arguments in Favor of Universal Healthcare
Arguments Against Universal Healthcare
Political and Theological Divide
Medical Tourism
Reasons for Medical Tourism
Exorbitant Costs
Long Patient Waiting Lists and Times
Lack of Culturally Sensitive Care
Unavailable or Unapproved Medications or Treatments
Types of Medical Tourism
Risks and Complications of Medical Tourism
Future Considerations
Advocacy for Universal Health Coverage
Considerations for Traveling Abroad
IN THEIR WORDS: Written on the Stars by Leo Bancroft
8. EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON LGBTQ+ HEALTHCARE
Historical Context
Negative Impact on LGBTQ+ Health and Well-Being
Disparities in Health
Governmental Targeting
Social Distancing and Isolation
Education and Employment
Education
Employment
Access to Healthcare
Sexual Health
Long COVID and Other Post-COVID Health Problems
Future Considerations
Pandemic Preparedness
Health and Healthcare System Disparities
Long COVID and Other Post-COVID Conditions
DIRECTORY OF RESOURCES
GLOSSARY
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CHRONOLOGY
1. ISSUES AFFECTING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
Historical Context
Current Status
Minority Stress
Societal Disapproval
Familial Rejection and Neglect
Religious Persecution
Harassment, Bullying, and Verbal Abuse
Physical and Sexual Assault
School and Workplace Discrimination
Education
Employment
Microaggressions and Unfair Treatment
Barriers Affecting Access to Healthcare
Medical Provider Intimidation
Insufficient Number of LGBTQ+-Competent Providers
Increased Strain on Existing LGBTQ+ Providers
Lack of Insurance Coverage and Cost Issues
Other Barriers to Access
Homelessness
Part-Time Employment or Unemployment
Poverty
Transportation
Future Considerations
Educational and Workplace Reform
Revised Healthcare Institution Policies and Procedures
Targeted Healthcare Provider and Staff Education
Ongoing Advocacy and Legislative Action
Expanded Public Health Initiatives
Inclusive Scientific Research
IN THEIR WORDS: We Are Enough by Lex Meelker M.D.
2. TRANSGENDER AND GENDER-DIVERSE HEALTHCARE
Historical Context
Current Status
Gender Minority Stress
Societal Disapproval
Familial Rejection and Neglect
Religious Persecution
Harassment, Bullying, and Verbal Abuse
Physical and Sexual Assault
School and Workplace Discrimination
Education
Employment
Microaggressions and Unfair Treatment
Barriers Affecting Access to Healthcare
Insufficient Legal and Political Protections
Missing or Inaccurate Identity Documents
Lack of Insurance Coverage or Cost Issues
Provider Ignorance and Harassment
Specific Health Disparities
Bone Disease
Cancer
Cardiovascular Disease
Diabetes
Effects of Emotional, Physical, and Sexual Violence
Mental Health
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Substance Misuse and Abuse
Gender-Affirming Treatments
Nonsurgical Medical Treatments
Surgical Interventions
Male-to-Female
Female-to-Male
Future Considerations
Educational and Workplace Reform
Revised Healthcare Institution Policies and Procedures
Targeted Healthcare Provider and Staff Education
Ongoing Advocacy and Legislative Action
Expanded Public Health Initiatives
Inclusive Scientific Research
IN THEIR WORDS: The Consequences of Inadequate Data Collection for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity by Dr. Jay Knight
3. HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) AND ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)
Historical Context
Current Status
Disease Process
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Screening
Prevention of HIV Infection
Risk-Reduction Counseling and Harm-Reduction Interventions
Condom Use
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Circumcision
Targeted Screening of Pregnant Women
Treatment of STIs and Opioid Addiction
Future Considerations
Early Diagnosis and Detection of Clusters
Rapid and Effective Treatment
Improved Health Outcomes and Reduced Health Disparities
Ongoing Prevention Strategies
IN THEIR WORDS: Getting Clean While HIV Positive by Charles Lisee
4. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AND OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Sexual Health
Common Sexually Transmitted Infections
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Syphilis
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Trichomoniasis
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Chancroid
Granuloma Inguinale
Mycoplasma genitalium
Public Lice
Other Infectious Diseases
Bacterial Vaginosis
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Meningococcal Disease
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Mpox Virus
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Shigella
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Tuberculosis
Transmission
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention of STIs and Other Infectious Diseases
Screening for Infection
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Hepatitis A Virus
Hepatitis B Virus
Hepatitis C Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus
Human Papilloma Virus
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
Tuberculosis
Behavior Education and Counseling
Condom Use
Hygienic Practices
Pre-Exposure Antimicrobial Prophylaxis and Vaccination
Hepatitis A Virus
Hepatitis B Virus
Human Papilloma Virus
Meningococcal Disease
Mpox Virus
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Adequate Identification and Treatment for Sex Partners
Future Considerations
Revised Sexual Health Paradigm
Consistent and Correct Condom Use
Compliance with Vaccination and Doxy-PEP
Web-Based Prevention Programs
IN THEIR WORDS: How I Found a Healthcare Provider Who Is An LGBTQ+ Ally by Paul Wright
5. CHRONIC DISEASES AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
Chronic Diseases
Cancer
Diabetes
Heart Disease and Stroke
Depression and Anxiety
Overweight and Obesity
Eating Disorders
Substance Use Disorders
Alcohol
Cannabis
Hallucinogens
Inhalants
Opioids
Sedative-Hypnotics and Anxiolytics
Stimulants
Tobacco Use and Vaping
Cancer
Childhood Illnesses
Diabetes
Heart Disease and Stroke
Lung Disease
Pregnancy Complications
Future Considerations
IN THEIR WORDS: March 28, 2019 by Zoey Ann O'Brien
6. LEGAL AND POLITICAL ISSUES AFFECTING LGBTQ+ HEALTHCARE
Previous Court Cases of Significance
One, Inc. v. Olesen U.S. Supreme Court Case
Rover v. Evans U.S. Supreme Court Case
Lawrence v. Texas U.S. Supreme Court Case
Howard v. Child Welfare Agency Review Board Court Case
Schroer v. Library of Congress Court Case
United States v. Windsor U.S. Supreme Court Case
Obergefell v. Hodges U.S. Supreme Court Case
Bostock v. Clayton County U.S. Supreme Court Case
Federal Legislation of Significance
Existing Federal Legislation
Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act
Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Pending Federal Legislation
Customer Non-Discrimination Act
Do No Harm Act
Equality Act
Fair and Equal Housing Act
FAMILY Act
Health Equity and Accountability Act
Healthy Families Act
Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act
John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act
Lower Costs, More Transparency Act
PrEP Access and Coverage Act
Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act
REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act
Safe Schools Improvement Act
Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act
Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act
State Legislation of Concern
Healthcare Policies
Identity Documentation
Misuse of Nondiscrimination and Public Accommodation Laws
School and Education
Free Speech and Expression
Other Anti-LGBTQ+ Rights
Municipal Legislation and Policies
Future Considerations
Advocating Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
Maximizing Public Health Measures
Promoting Inclusion and Diversity on School Boards
IN THEIR WORDS: Keeping My Family Happy and Healthy by Regina Gort
7. EFFECTS OF GLOBAL HEALTHCARE ON LGBTQ+ AMERICANS
Universal Healthcare
Historical Context
Arguments in Favor of Universal Healthcare
Arguments Against Universal Healthcare
Political and Theological Divide
Medical Tourism
Reasons for Medical Tourism
Exorbitant Costs
Long Patient Waiting Lists and Times
Lack of Culturally Sensitive Care
Unavailable or Unapproved Medications or Treatments
Types of Medical Tourism
Risks and Complications of Medical Tourism
Future Considerations
Advocacy for Universal Health Coverage
Considerations for Traveling Abroad
IN THEIR WORDS: Written on the Stars by Leo Bancroft
8. EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON LGBTQ+ HEALTHCARE
Historical Context
Negative Impact on LGBTQ+ Health and Well-Being
Disparities in Health
Governmental Targeting
Social Distancing and Isolation
Education and Employment
Education
Employment
Access to Healthcare
Sexual Health
Long COVID and Other Post-COVID Health Problems
Future Considerations
Pandemic Preparedness
Health and Healthcare System Disparities
Long COVID and Other Post-COVID Conditions
DIRECTORY OF RESOURCES
GLOSSARY
ABOUT THE AUTHOR