Marginality and Global LGBT Communities

Book excerpt: This book examines the interconnectedness of LGBT civil and political rights, bias, discrimination, homophobia, and LGBT health disparities both in the United States and globally. According to Notaro, the failure to extend equitable civil and political rights to LGBT individuals—combined with recent reversal of past gains—will continue to be associated with bias, stigma and discrimination toward the LGBT community. In turn, this sustained bias and stigma fosters a host of LGBT health disparities, including access to culturally competent health care, HIV/AIDS, substance use, homelessness, suicide, and violence. Thus, the bias and discrimination levied at the LGBT community is discussed as a major explanatory factor in life-threatening health disparities experienced by the community, particularly in urban areas worldwide. The volume provides a framework for considering future research that must identify ways to prevent these health disparities, being mindful of and harnessing the protective factors and supports that exist within the diverse LGBT community.