Why Gather Data on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity

February 2012 | The Fenway Institute

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“"Gathering sexual orientation and gender identity data will increase…understanding of LGBT health disparities and how to prevent, screen, and early detect conditions that disproportionately affect LGBT people."”

This publication explains how gathering data on sexual orientation and gender identity in clinical settings will help understand lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) health disparities, and how it is consistent with key recommendations in Healthy People 2020, the 2011 Institute of Medicine report on LGBT health issues and research gaps, and the Affordable Care Act. Provider knowledge about patients' sexual orientation and gender identity can help facilitate optimal care.