document: Report urges study of gay , transgender health WASHINGTON - Scientists only recently learned how certain diseases affect women differently than men , and blacks differently than whites . Now a major new report says it 's time to study the unique health needs of gay and transgender people , too . Stigma often keeps lesbian , gay , bisexual and transgender people from seeking health care - and when they do , there 's little research to guide doctors in their treatment , the Institute of Medicine reported Thursday . Changing that starts with a seemingly simple step : Researchers should start asking people about their sexual orientation and gender identity in all government-funded health studies , the panel said . The report is intended as technical advice to the National Institutes of Health . But to the gay-rights community , the recommendations from such a prestigious scientific group promise to legitimize a quest for greater health equality . '' `` This community is just ignored , '' '' said Brian Moulton of the Human Rights Campaign . '' `` This is going to spark a long-term commitment to dealing with these issues . '' '' The chairman of the report , however , anticipates some political criticism . '' `` This is a scientific report , not an advocacy report , '' '' said Dr. Robert Graham , professor of family medicine at the University of Cincinnati . '' `` Whatever your politics , as long as you accept the premise that every American ought to have the opportunity for the same health status and the same degree of health , then you really have to understand what the different influences are that may keep certain populations away from having that opportunity . '' '' The IOM panel could n't even find a good estimate of how many people identify themselves as lesbian , gay , bisexual or transgender . It stressed that these are separate populations that require separate assessments of their needs at different ages . California is one of the few states where researchers collect data on LGBT issues . Last week , the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research reported that older gays , lesbians and bisexuals are more prone to high blood pressure and psychological distress than heterosexuals . Moreover , they are more likely to live alone , without children or partners to provide care and support . Nationally , what is known ? The AIDS virus remains a threat to young men , particularly black men , who have sex with men , the report noted . But the IOM panel also identified far broader issues : Increased risks of depression , suicide attempts , homelessness and being victims of violence . Possibly higher rates of smoking and substance use . Lesbians and bisexual women may get less preventive care and have higher rates of obesity and breast cancer . In addition , laws barring same-sex marriage often limit access to health insurance , and there are few health providers trained to treat transgender patients in particular in a culturally competent manner , the report said . AP
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