LGBTQ Government Ministers of Health

A government minister of health is responsible for overseeing all government health agencies, reviewing and implementing the government's health policies, and advising the cabinet and parliament on changes to both of these. This makes the position a key player in a nation's social policy standing.

The LGBTQ community has its own unique health aspects and disparities. These unique health aspects result from a history of stigmatization and discrimination against the community. According to Fenway Health: LGBTQ youth are more likely to be homeless or commit suicide; gay and bisexual men account for the largest proportion of HIV/AIDS cases and are at higher risk for other STDs; lesbian women are less likely to get preventive services for cancer and to be overweight or obese; transgender individuals are more likely to have mental health issues and less likely to have health insurance; elderly LGBTQ individuals face additional barriers to health due to isolation, lack of social services, and culturally competent health providers; and the LGBTQ population have higher rates of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.

It is thus beneficial for the LGBTQ community to have Ministers of Health who are sensitive to the community's special interests.

Australia