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At a time when lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals--often referred to under the umbrella acronym LGBT--are becoming more visible in society and more socially acknowledged, clinicians and researchers are faced with incomplete information about their health status. While LGBT populations often are combined as a single entity for research and advocacy purposes, each is a distinct population group with its own specific health needs. Furthermore, the experiences of LGBT individuals are not uniform and are shaped by factors of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographical location, and age, any of which can have an effect on health-related concerns and needs.
The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People assesses the state of science on the health status of LGBT populations, identifies research gaps and opportunities, and outlines a research agenda for the National Institute of Health.
To advance understanding of the health needs of all LGBT individuals, the report finds that researchers need more data about the demographics of these populations, improved methods for collecting and analyzing data, and an increased participation of sexual and gender minorities in research.
This book is a valuable resource for policymakers, federal agencies including the National Institute of Health (NIH), LGBT advocacy groups, clinicians, and service providers.

Contents
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
SUMMARY
Study Approach
Context for Understanding LGBT Health
Challenges to Conducting Research on LGBT Populations
Health Status Over the Life Course
Recommendations
1 INTRODUCTION
The LGBT Community
Statement of Task and Study Scope
Study Approach
Report Organization
References
2 CONTEXT FOR LGBT HEALTH STATUS IN THE UNITED STATES
Defining Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sexual Orientation
Historical Perspective
A Demographic Overview of LGBT Populations in the United States
Barriers to Accessing Health Care
The Case of HIV/AIDS
Summary of Key Findings and Research Opportunities
References
3 CONDUCTING RESEARCH ON THE HEALTH STATUS OF LGBT POPULATIONS
Research Challenges
Research Methods
Data Sources
Best-Practices Principles Associated with Sample Survey and Research Studies
Summary of Key Findings and Research Opportunities
References
4 CHILDHOOD/ADOLESCENCE
Development of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Mental Health Status
Physical Health Status
Risk and Protective Factors
Health Services
Contextual Influences
Summary of Key Findings and Research Opportunities
References
5 EARLY/MIDDLE ADULTHOOD
Development of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Mental Health Status
Physical Health Status
Risk and Protective Factors
Health Services
Contextual Influences
Summary of Key Findings and Research Opportunities
References
6 LATER ADULTHOOD
Development of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Mental Health Status
Physical Health Status
Risk and Protective Factors
Health Services
Contextual Influences
Summary of Key Findings and Research Opportunities
References
7 RECOMMENDATIONS
Research Agenda
Data Collection
Methodological Research
Research Training
Policy on Research Participation
APPENDIXES
A Study Activities
B Literature Review
C Glossary
D Biosketches of Committee Members and Staff
INDEX