Gay and Lesbian Health Disparities: Evidence and Recommendations for Elimination

Research suggests that significant health disparities exist among the gay and lesbian population in the United States. These disparities impact both the shortand long-term health outcomes of this population. This study first provides a current literature review of available research on gay and lesbian health disparities and organizes these findings according to health topic. The paper then investigates recommendations for the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities and examines their applicability in eliminating sexual minority disparities. While many recommendations are valid, this paper analyzes the six thought to have the greatest potential in eliminating gay and lesbian health disparities. These recommendations are then prioritized using three criteria. Ultimately, this study examines the factors that contribute to this issue, and discusses how researchers, organizations, and policymakers must work together to eliminate these health disparities.