The LGBT youth are at a higher risk for substance use, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), cancers, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, bullying, isolation, rejection, anxiety, depression, and suicide as compared to the general population.
When it comes to health issues, LGBT community people face several health disparities linked to:
- societal stigma
- discrimination
- denial of their civil and human rights.
These health issues are associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal tendencies. All this is also related to physical violence and victimization. Here are a few common health issues that the community people face and the reason behind them.
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Depression & anxiety
For humans, societal acceptance in whatever they do is inevitable. And when this lacks it leads o humiliation and stress. For the LGBTQ community, it’s a standard affair that often leads to mental stress and constant bullying and insult pushes them towards depression. According to experts, acute distress also leads to suicidal tendencies in many people. All this happens because of continued bullying related to their clothing, physical appearance, behaviour, and even voice quality.
Facing body image problems
It often happens that people of the LGBTQ community behave and dress-up little differently, that is not fit for the heterosexual society. This image is generally mistreated, and they are insulted in the organization. Apart from that, the biggest problem is the hormonal changes in the body that causes body image problem to them and later reflects in their irritated and rebellious body language.
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Eating disorder
Physical and mental stress severely impacts the strength and immunity of the body. According to experts, it is directly related to their eating habit, which is badly ruptured due to societal pressure and bullying. Mental stress kills hunger and results in developing a habit of skipping meals. The studies have shown that in tier-two cities, where there is less scope for the community people to gel-up, they get addicted to drugs and the habit results in eating disorder.
Sex change surgery
This health is majorly seen with transgender or those who willingly go for sex reassignment and gender-affirming surgery. It is suggested that people under 18 or above 60 years of age should avoid it. The operation changes your genitalia.
Human Papilloma Virus
Human papillomavirus is a viral infection that’s passed between two people through skin-to-skin contact. According to a study, it generally happens due to sexual contact and can affect your genitals, mouth, or throat. In experts opinion, HPV can lead to the development of genital warts and even cancers of the cervix, anus, and throat.
(With inputs from Akassh K Aggarwal, Activist, LGBTQ Right Voice)
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