The New York State Department of Health has published a new brief from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) that examines sexual orientation and gender identity among adults in the state. The report aims to provide a clearer understanding of the health needs and disparities experienced by LGBTQIA+ communities.
“Gender identity and sexual orientation are inherent to and deeply personal aspects of an individual’s overall sense of self and identity. This telephone survey of adult New Yorkers provides us with important insights and a better understanding of the health needs and health disparities historically faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community members,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “While we’ve made progress in creating a more gender-affirming New York, our work is not done. The Department remains committed to improving social determinants of health, eliminating health disparities and protecting and promoting health and wellbeing for all.”
The department notes that historical inequities continue to affect LGBTQIA+ individuals through stigma and discrimination, which can contribute to chronic stress as well as poor physical and mental health outcomes. The report highlights that transgender and gender non-conforming people are at higher risk for targeted backlash.
Key findings from the BRFSS brief indicate that over one million adults in New York identify as LGBTQIA+. Approximately 8.2 percent identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another sexual orientation, while about 1.4 percent identify as transgender, gender queer, gender non-conforming, non-binary or intersex.
Previous assessments have shown similar patterns regarding health inequity within these communities. Research cited in the report points out that early experiences with stigma can lead to long-term negative effects on both mental and physical health—including increased rates of high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth.
To address these issues, the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Services supports providers across New York in developing comprehensive services for LGBTQ+ individuals through various initiatives such as the Lorena Borjas Transgender Wellness Equity Fund. This office oversees 48 programs statewide—44 regional direct service programs plus four technical assistance efforts—supported by $12 million in state funding.
Collaborative efforts include conducting a statewide LGBTQ Needs Assessment every five years; running annual HIV self-testing campaigns; and organizing awareness days focused on LGBTQ issues.
The Bureau of Chronic Disease Evaluation and Research manages BRFSS data collection annually across all states via phone surveys targeting adults aged 18 or older living in private residences or college housing who have access to landline or cellular phones.
More information about the BRFSS survey is available at https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/index.html
Further details on services provided by the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer Services can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/community/lgbtq/
Definitions related to sexual orientation or gender identity are accessible at https://gaycenter.org/about/lgbtq/
Information on advocacy for equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals is available at https://www.hrc.org/
