This month we’re using LGBT+ History Month to raise awareness about health inequalities in the LGBT+ community.
What is a health inequality?
Health inequalities are unfair and avoidable differences in health behaviours or outcomes between communities, often due to specific characteristics. These can include genetic risk factors, access to health services, engagement in behaviours that negatively impact health, or the availability of relatable resources in the health sector.
What health inequalities exist within the LGBT+ community?
Over the years, the LGBT+ community has experienced significant health inequalities that, with the right societal and local support, could be avoided. These include:
- Higher Alcohol Consumption: Harmful alcohol consumption is higher in the UK within the LGBT+ community compared to those who identify as heterosexual.
- Increased Smoking Rates: LGBT+ communities are more likely to smoke than heterosexual communities, leading to a higher risk of associated health conditions such as cardiovascular disease.
- Barriers to Physical Activity: Physical activity, particularly sports, has shown a range of exclusionary factors for the LGBT+ community, including gender-based sports, homophobia, and environmental barriers (such as changing rooms). This makes it difficult for those representing the LGBT+ community to engage in sports and physical activity. It’s important to reduce these barriers and ensure sports and physical activity are accessible to all.
Reducing health inequalities
As a community service, we recognise the health inequalities faced by individuals within the LGBT+ community. We want to break these barriers, ensuring our free community services are accessible to everyone.
- From offering online programmes and telephone support to reviewing the locations of our venues, we try to make it as easy as possible to access our services.
- All our health coaches are expert listeners and we don’t judge. We want to help and we’ll work with you to overcome challenges together.
- We work with a range of groups in the community, delivering support to a diverse range of individuals.
Remember, you are not alone in your journey to a healthier lifestyle, join one of our free programmes today.
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Let’s use this month to reflect on the challenges the LQBT+ community have experienced in the past, delve into the achievements and plan for a more inclusive, healthier future for everyone in our society.
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