Understanding the Well-Being of LGBTQI+ Populations

The increase in prevalence and visibility of sexually gender diverse (SGD) populations illuminates the need for greater understanding of the ways in which current laws, systems, and programs affect their well-being. Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, or intersex, as well as those who express same-sex or -gender attractions or behaviors, will have experiences across their life course that differ from those of cisgender and heterosexual individuals. Characteristics such as age, race and ethnicity, and geographic location intersect to play a distinct role in the challenges and opportunities SGD people face. Understanding the Well-Being of LGBTQI+ Populations reviews the available evidence and identifies future research needs related to the well-being of SDG populations across the life course. This report focuses on eight domains of well-being; the effects of various laws and the legal system on SGD populations; the effects of various public policies and structural stigma; community and civic engagement; families and social relationships; education, including school climate and level of attainment; economic experiences (e.g., employment, compensation, and housing); physical and mental health; and health care access and gender-affirming interventions. The recommendations of Understanding the Well-Being of LGBTQI+ Populations aim to identify opportunities to advance understanding of how individuals experience sexuality and gender and how sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status affect SGD people over the life course. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary PART I: BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT Prologue 1 Introduction 2 Health and Well-Being in Diverse Populations: Frameworks and Concepts PART II: UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL AND GENDER DIVERSE POPULATIONS 3 Demography and Public Attitudes of Sexual and Gender Diverse Populations 4 Current State of Data Collection PART III; DOMAINS OF WELL-BEING 5 Law and Legal Systems 6 Public Policy and Structural Stigma 7 Community and Civic Engagement 8 Families and Social Relationships 9 Educational Environments 10 Economic Well-Being 11 Physical and Mental Health 12 Coverage, Access, and Utilization of Evidence-Based Health Care PART IV: RESEARCH NEEDS 13 Recommendations Appendix A: Summary of Prior Related National Academies Reports and Activities Appendix B: Agenda: Public Seminar on Amplifying Visibility and Increasing Capacity for Sexual and Gender Diverse Populations Appendix C: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff