Lesbian, bisexual women face higher mortality risk due to ‘toxic’ social stigma, study finds
Brittany Charlton, a professor at Harvard Medical School, notes the particular challenges faced by bisexual women due to biphobia, both within and outside the LGBTQ community
Recent research has found that bisexual women are 37% more likely to die early compared to their heterosexual counterparts, and lesbian women’s risk is increased by 20%. This study is the first of its kind to make a distinction between the health outcomes of lesbian and bisexual women.
Addressing Health Disparities
Although past studies have noted health disparities between sexual minority and heterosexual women, the impact on lifespan, particularly within the sexual minority subgroups, has not been thoroughly investigated until now. The latest findings from a team of researchers at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and other notable institutions reveal significant health disparities that affect mortality rates.
Urgent Need for Change
Sarah McKetta, lead researcher at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, emphasizes the critical need to address preventable health disparities linked to sexual orientation. This is particularly important in light of the increasing hostility towards LGBTQ individuals in the US.
McKetta also highlights the specific discrimination and prejudice faced by LGBTQ people, which can lead to chronic stress and unhealthy coping strategies, thus increasing their risk of health issues and premature death.
The research’s detailed analysis of different sexual orientations is a key strength, according to the team. Brittany Charlton, a professor at Harvard Medical School, notes the particular challenges faced by bisexual women due to biphobia, both within and outside the LGBTQ community.
Charlton also points out that bisexual individuals often feel alienated from various groups due to assumptions about their sexuality based on their partner’s gender. The heightened risk of early death among bisexual women is concerning and underscores the necessity for targeted measures to mitigate these disparities across all sexual minority groups.
You might also be interested in – New study unveils scientific and genetic insights into fertility and same-sex attraction
