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 ruling government 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 has a higher rate of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.

It is beneficial for the LGBTQ community to have Ministers of Health who are sensitive to the community's special interests. Legislation and policy must keep pace with the changes in the community and society as a whole. These policies must offer the same conditions to everyone regardless of economic position, type of family, sexual orientation, and so on. The treatment of LGBTQ people in healthcare must be equal across all geographic areas, as unequal treatment leads to LGBTQ people refraining from seeking the care they need.

It is important to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people do not feel marginalised within mainstream service delivery—either from service providers or from other consumers. It is essential that peer support programs are inclusive and safe, and welcome all to participate. The LGBTQ community relies on government health ministries to deliver on this requirement, and an LGBT government minister can aid in meeting this objective.

We have identified the following LGBTQ government Ministers of Health. Simply click on their names to read their fascinating biographies.

Australia