The New York State Department of Health has released a new brief from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) that examines sexual orientation and gender identity among adults in the state. The report aims to provide better understanding of the health needs and disparities experienced by LGBTQIA+ communities.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated, “Gender identity and sexual orientation are inherent to and deeply personal aspects of an individual’s overall sense of self and identity. This telephone survey of adult New Yorkers provides us with important insights and a better understanding of the health needs and health disparities historically faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community members,” said Dr. McDonald. “While we’ve made progress in creating a more gender-affirming New York, our work is not done. The Department remains committed to improving social determinants of health, eliminating health disparities and protecting and promoting health and wellbeing for all.”
The department’s findings indicate that over one million adults in New York identify as LGBTQIA+. Of those surveyed, 8.2 percent identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another sexual orientation, while 1.4 percent identified as transgender, gender queer, gender non-conforming, non-binary or intersex.
Historical inequities have contributed to ongoing stigma and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ communities in New York State. This has led to chronic stress among affected individuals which can result in negative physical and mental health outcomes such as high blood pressure or anxiety. According to previous assessments including a 2021 statewide needs assessment on LGBTQ+ Health and Human Services Needs, these patterns begin early in life with increased risks for suicide attempts, depression, and substance use disorder among LGBTQ+ youth.
To address these issues, the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Services at the Department supports providers across the state through comprehensive services for LGBTQ+ individuals. The office manages initiatives like the LGBTQI+ Health and Human Services initiative as well as part of the Lorena Borjas Transgender Wellness Equity Fund—both aimed at reducing disparities by building more inclusive systems focused on key social determinants such as economic stability and education.
Currently funded programs include 44 regional direct service projects along with four technical assistance programs statewide. Funding totals $12 million from New York State resources with $2 million allocated specifically for transgender wellness efforts.
The Office also collaborates within the department on several major projects such as a five-year statewide needs assessment for LGBTQ populations, annual HIV self-testing campaigns, and awareness day events.
Data collection is carried out through BRFSS surveys conducted annually via phone across all states; these surveys monitor behaviors contributing to leading causes of illness among adults living independently or in college housing who have access to landline or cellular phones.
More information about the survey can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/brfss/. Details about services provided by the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer Services are available at https://www.health.ny.gov/community/lgbtq/, while definitions related to identities can be accessed through https://gaycenter.org/about/lgbtq/definitions/. Resources regarding equal rights advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals are listed at https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-hrc-story.
