I am so pleased to share Closing the Gap: The Turning Point for LGBTQ Health with you. This report sheds light on the progress and setbacks we've seen as a state to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Coloradans and their families can be their healthiest.
Despite the policy advancements to improve we've made to improve LGBTQ equality since One Colorado published it's inaugural health assessment in 2011, Invisible: The State of LGBT Health, health outcomes have stayed the same or worsened. LGBTQ Coloradans are covered by health insurance at unprecedented rates, yet access to affirming care is harder to come by than in 2011. Mental and behavioral health outcomes have worsened, compared to both 2011 and the non-LGBTQ Coloradans. Transgender Coloradans have access to health insurance because of the Affordable Care Act, but have exorbitant out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary, gender-affirming care.
We have so much work to do to close the gap between lived and legal equality. Read Closing the Gap: The Turning Point for LGBTQ Health to learn how. We review the data, talk about how policy has changed, and provide a plan of action to improve LGBTQ health in Colorado. It's on all of us - policy makers, health systems, health providers, advocacy and service organizations, and community members.
We can’t do it without you, and it's time to get to get to work. Are you with us?
P.S. Want to join us tonight at the launch? Click here for details.
