Who's Impacted? 

At the national level, policy makers and government officials are creating laws that limit access to gender affirming care through insurance companies all of which will negatively impact the physical and mental well-being of those within the LGBTQ+ community.

Creating such barriers not only continues to marginalize individuals but puts them at greater risk of facing severe physical and mental health challenges.

Statistically over the past two years 67% of LGBTQ+ individuals needed access to a mental health provider due to experiencing long term periods of depression and anxiety which can result from ongoing societal discrimination, stigma and violence as reported by the Kaiser family foundation 2020.

Unfortunately, many can only receive mental health services with access to insurance without coverage, individuals are left to cover high out of pocket expenses for treatment, making them less likely to get needed treatment or connect with a mental health provider, which puts them at higher risk for experiencing mental health challenges.

Continued discrimination delays LGBTQ+ individuals from receiving necessary medical care. The Human Rights Watch report “US: LGBT People Face Health Care Barriers” states that LGBTQ+ individuals struggle with accessing services such as HIV treatment and prevention, hormone replacement therapy and basic primary care. Delayed medical treatment puts them at higher risk of not catching undiagnosed conditions which may lead to worsening physical health, increased risk of preventable diseases, experience of body dysphoria, and higher rates of committing suicide. Every person regardless of gender, identity or sexual orientation has the right to affordable and accessible healthcare.

Ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals have timely access to necessary care is essential for promoting positive health outcomes and overall well-being, reducing the risk of long-term complications. The U.S healthcare system needs to be equitable for all!

What is at stake?

The LGBTQ+ community, like other minority communities, has already had to struggle significantly to obtain basic rights, and healthcare is no exception.

The consequences of this community lacking access to affordable healthcare can be severe: mental health concerns, discrimination in healthcare (fear of discrimination may lead to delays in seeking care until conditions become severe, often resulting in poorer health outcomes), gender-affirming barriers (including hormone therapy), HIV/AIDS disparities, and substance abuse issues.

Substance misuse is already a significant problem within this community, and limited access to treatment and support exacerbates the situation. According to The Addiction Center, "An estimated 20 to 30% of the LGBTQ+ community abuses substances, compared to about 9% of the general population".

Furthermore, violence is another risk factor for this community, and the lack of access to affordable healthcare makes obtaining support or treatment extremely difficult. There is a pervasive stigma that the primary healthcare concern within this community is for the transgender population; however, the issue is much broader and needs to be addressed comprehensively for all members of this community. 

Why is it now the time to act? 

It’s extremely important to take immediate action to improve the quality of life for this community, not only for physical health but for mental health. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, substance use and suicide. We must intervene to prevent further suffering.  According to The Trevor Project, "  
39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year — including 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people. LGBTQ+ youth of color reported higher rates than White peers."

The Trump administration has stressed the importance of erasing queerness and transgender people in healthcare. Trump wants to repeal anti-discrimination acts and eliminate the Affordable Care Act (ACA) This will not only affect the LGBTQ+ community but also those in the community who are disabled and rely on Medicaid and Medicare. 

We must act now before basic human and civil rights are taken away! 

“Don’t be silent when freedoms are being stripped away from others-they will come for yours next.” The Gaily Grind 

 

What can YOU do to help?  

Please sign and share this petition! 

Call or write a letter to your local legislators to enforce anti-discrimination laws for the LGBTQ+ community.  

It shouldn’t have to happen to you for it to matter to you!