Each week LGBT HealthLink , a Program of CenterLink, and researcher and blogger Corey Prachniak, brings you a round up of some of the biggest LGBT wellness stories from the past seven days. For more LGBT Wellness, visit our page dedicated to the topic here.
Trans Folks Face Cancer Crisis
The New York Times reports that trans people are facing serious barriers to getting cancer care, particularly when providers do not associate a given illness with their gender – for example, a trans man who has breast cancer. The fear of receiving neglectful treatment is preventing many from getting screenings at all, experts say.
Queer Women Use Drugs at Triple the Rate of Others
A government survey revealed that LGB adults are using illicit drugs at alarming rates, with queer women in particular being three times as likely as other women to do so. LGB adults also had disparate rates of smoking, drinking, and mental health problems. These trends applied to both men and women of all age groups, illustrating the breadth of LGB disparities.
LGBT Teens Seek More Support from Doctors
Researchers found that only 17% of LGBT youth were asked about their identity by their doctor, and that queer youth want more open communication and privacy to ask questions. About two in three youth were interested in attending an LGBT health clinic if they had the option.
At Home or In Nursing Homes, Queer Elders Face Challenges
Researchers found that LGBT seniors who decide to stay in their homes rather than enter a nursing facility face anti-LGBT bias combined with ageism as they try to navigate services. On the other hand, a report from Kaiser Health News explores the discrimination queer seniors can face in nursing homes, which are often poorly-equipped to welcome LGBT residents.
Gender Affirmation Approves Mental Health of Trans Women
A study of trans women with a history of sex work found that more social, psychological, or medical gender affirmation was associated with better mental health. This was especially true when the affirmation came from one’s family, which was associated with lower depressive symptoms and higher self-esteem.