Considers the issues that impact healthcare for LGBTQ+ Americans today and the negative influences that disproportionately affect the well-being of these communities, and presents a path forward to making needed improvements.The health of LGBTQ+ Americans is affected by many historical achievements and failures, societal influences, economic disparities, cultural shifts, and political divisions that can greatly impact the world of medicine, especially given the COVID-19 pandemic. Each chapter examines these issues to identify the systemic factors and enduring consequences impacting these communities. First-hand accounts from LGBTQ+ individuals impacted by healthcare challenges are included between chapters through "In their Words" perspective essays. An extensive chronology of relevant people, events, and legislation places this topic in historical context and outlines the evolution of healthcare challenges as they relate to sexuality and gender identity. Intended to be an encompassing reference for high school students, college students, and general readers alike, this overview not only explores the historical and contemporary complexities of this topic, but also proposes solutions for improvement and pathways to advocacy.
