Adult health

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender queer or gender nonconforming people face special health concerns. That's largely because society tends to have a narrow view of gender and sexual orientation. For transgender people, having a gender identity that doesn't match the sex they were given at birth can be challenging and often leads to discrimination.

LGBTQ people are at higher risk of anxiety and depression. Violence at home, called intimate partner violence or domestic violence, can affect anyone in a close relationship. But people in same-sex relationships might be more likely to stay quiet about this kind of violence due to fear they won't be believed, won't be listened to or that they'll be blamed.

Transgender people face many health concerns due to what's called gender minority stress. This involves bad attitudes toward them, called social stigma. Unfair treatment and bullying play a role. They may take on the negative attitudes others have toward them. As a result, transgender people are at risk of emotional and psychological abuse, physical and sexual violence, sexually transmitted infections, substance misuse, mental health problems, and suicide.

If you're a transgender person, counseling, and gender-affirming health care might help you feel more at ease. Learn about the options, what's involved, the risks and benefits, and follow-up care.

If you have children who are gender-nonconforming or transgender, talk to them, show support, and ask them to tell you how they feel and what they need. Your support is vital. Let them know you're there for them.

If you or your child is LGBTQ, look for a health care professional who will listen to you and respect your needs. That professional then can help you find ways to stay healthy.

• Healthy relationships
• Healthy at work