Content created by Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH)
HHS works to enhance the collection of health data on LGBTQI+ populations. Gathering data on LGBTQI+ individuals helps researchers, policy makers, health care providers, and advocates identify and address health disparities affecting the LGBTQI+ population.
- Health Insurance Coverage and Access to Care for LGBTQ+ Individuals: Recent Trends and Key Challenges
- COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Vaccine Confidence by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity — United States, August 29–October 30, 2021
- Transgender Identity and Experiences of Violence Victimization, Substance Use, Suicide Risk, and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among High School Students — 19 States and Large Urban School Districts, 2017
National Institute of Health (NIH) Research
NIH works to broaden the field of health research relating to the sexual and gender minority (SGM) communities. NIH established the Office of Sexual and Gender Minority Research Office (SGMRO) in September 2015. The goals of the office are to:
- Advance rigorous research on the health of SGM populations in both the extramural and intramural research communities
- Expand SGM health research by fostering partnerships and collaborations with a strategic array of internal and external stakeholders
- Foster a highly skilled and diverse workforce in SGM health research
- Encourage data collection related to SGM populations in research and the biomedical research workforce
Read the NIH SGM Strategic Plan 2021-2025.
Examples of National Research that Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes sexual orientation questions in the National Health Interview Survey and the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) includes sexual orientation questions the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Healthy People 2030
Healthy People provides 10-year, measurable public health objectives — and tools to help track progress toward achieving them. Every ten years, HHS develops national, science-based objectives for promoting health and preventing disease for the following decade. In 2010, for the first time, a formal workgroup was established to examine scientific literature on LGBTQI+ health. Learn about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Workgroup.