About Tobacco and the LGBTQA Community
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and asexual (LGBTQA) individuals face challenges when accessing and receiving care that may lead to preventable adverse health outcomes. A Healthy People 2020 report found LGBTQA youth are 2 to 3 times more likely to attempt suicide, more likely to be homeless, and have a higher risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In addition, LGBTQA populations have the highest rates of tobacco, alcohol and other drug use. Transgender individuals experience a high prevalence of HIV/STI, victimization, mental health issues, and suicide. Gay and bisexual men have higher chances of major depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder compared to other men.
Pennsylvania 2018 LGBT Health Needs Assessment
Pennsylvania, like the nation and many states, has traditionally had limited data on LGBT health and wellness. In an effort to learn more about the health and wellness of Pennsylvania’s LGBT communities, the Pennsylvania Department of Health partnered with LGBT centers across the state to gather health and wellness information. The 2018 findings presented here cover a variety of health topics, chronic disease risks, and healthcare experiences. These data are intended to identify needs and inform plans to close gaps. Opportunities remain for additional data analyses and future data collection.
View the Pennsylvania 2018 LGBT Health Needs Assessment Summary Report
Pennsylvania LGBTQA Health Conference
On June 18-19, 2019, the PA Department of Health, PA Department of Human Services, Adagio Health, Northwest Pennsylvania Tobacco Control Coalition, Health Promotion Council, and Tobacco Free Allegheny held the Third Annual Pennsylvania LGBTQA Health Conference. This skills-based conference focused on addressing tobacco and behavioral health disparities through the lens of trauma informed care and resiliency.
Archived resources and additional information about this conference may be found here.