Degree Name

MA (Master of Arts)

Program

Sociology

Date of Award

8-2021

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Martha Copp, Joseph O. Baker

Committee Members

Candace Forbes Bright

Abstract

Previous literature on LGBTQ+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other sexual minorities) reports that this community experiences greater health problems than heterosexuals. LGBTQ+ people experience higher rates of chronic conditions, STIs, addiction, poor mental health, and cancer, which highlights the importance of capturing data regarding health. A growing concern is that social surveys fail to find meaningful ways to gather gender and sexuality data to understand possible health disparities for LGBTQ+ people. This study uses data from the General Social Survey to examine the physical and mental health outcomes of LGB people compared to straight people in a nationally representative sample of Americans. An analysis of potential disparities in the self-reported health of straight and LGB respondents finds that respondents who identified as bisexual reported significantly lower levels of self-rated health and more problems with mental health compared to respondents who identified as gay, lesbian, or heterosexual.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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