Lesbian and bisexual women face a higher risk of negative health outcomes, with studies suggesting that they tend to die earlier than heterosexual women. A recent long-term study highlighted that systemic discrimination, social stigma, stress, and isolation contribute to this alarming trend.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community often encounter more health challenges compared to their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts. The latest research sheds light on the devastating impact of these disparities, revealing that lesbian and bisexual women have significantly shorter lifespans than their heterosexual peers. Social stigma and prejudice are identified as key factors driving this disparity.
Understanding the Study Findings
According to the 2024 study published in JAMA Network, lesbian women were found to die 20% earlier than heterosexual women, while bisexual women faced a 37% higher mortality rate. The study drew on data spanning several decades from the Nurses’ Health Study II, which focused on chronic disease risk factors in over 100,000 U.S. nurses.
Participants in the Nurses’ Health Study II were surveyed about their sexual orientation in 1995, with researchers tracking their lifespans over 30 years through death records. This comprehensive approach allowed for a detailed analysis of the impact of sexual orientation on mortality rates, a distinction not previously explored in U.S. research.
Insights from the Lead Author
Sarah McKetta, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard, emphasized the significance of the Nurses’ Health Study II in enabling researchers to evaluate lesbian and bisexual participants separately. This distinction provided valuable insights into the disparities faced by these groups.
Addressing the Disparities
The findings underscore the urgent need to address the underlying causes of higher mortality rates among lesbian and bisexual women. Efforts to combat systemic discrimination, reduce social stigma, and promote inclusivity and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals are crucial in improving health outcomes and reducing premature deaths.
By raising awareness of these disparities and advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize the health and well-being of lesbian and bisexual women, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
