WASHINGTON June 24, 2024—Although progress has been made in addressing health disparities and reducing social inequality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other sexual or gender minority (LGBTQ+) populations, new challenges have surfaced that harm the health and well-being of those populations, says the American College of Physicians (ACP) in a new policy paper published today. “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender, Queer and Other Sexual and Gender Minority Health Disparities: A Position Paper from the American College of Physicians,” published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reaffirms and updates ACP’s policies on LGBTQ+ health.
“ACP is extremely concerned about discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. Health is a human right that entails an ethical obligation of society to provide access to health care, according to its resources and means, to its members,” said Isaac O. Opole, MBChB, PhD, MACP, President, ACP. “It is important that physicians and other health professionals are aware of the complex social and health issues that uniquely and disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ populations in order to provide the highest level of patient care.”
Research and medical understanding of LGBTQ+ health issues have evolved since ACP’s last position paper on the topic. The updated policy paper offers recommendations about how to improve health care equity and reduce social stigma. It voices ACP’s support for access to evidence-based gender-affirming care, coverage for that care, and research into improving care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The recommendations also include incorporating LGBTQ+ health into medical education and support for programs to help recruit LGBTQ+ persons into the practice of medicine. The paper further recommends implementing public policies that protect the civil rights of LGBTQ+ peoples and uphold one’s ability to take part in all aspects of public life consistent with their gender identity, including access to governmental services, public facilities, and basic human facilities.
“ACP stands firmly against attacks on LGBTQ+ populations and supports inclusive public policies that seek to affirm the diverse spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity,” concluded Dr. Opole. “We are dedicated to advocating for equitable, affirming and quality health care for all. That starts with ensuring every individual, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation has access to the medical services they need.”
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About the American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 161,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Contact: Andrew Hachadorian, (215) 351-2514, ahachadorian@acponline.org