LGBTQ+ health is an essential component of public health equity efforts

As the month of LGBTQ+ Pride approaches, it is worth noting the elevated and preventable health risks of those who are LGBTQ+. As two gay men who have been public health officials for a few decades, we see the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people as being at a crossroads. On the one hand, notable progress has been made since we began our public health careers when the health of LGBTQ+ populations (and even their existence) was largely ignored by the health sectors. Much of that changed with the HIV pandemic and the subsequent activism of the affected populations. Last and this year, the rapid and effective response to the monkeypox outbreak and the widespread focus on the behavioral health needs of LGBTQ+ students show the greater attention being paid to our communities. Yet, at the same time, we are seeing a resurgence of anti-LGBTQ+ policies across the country as scores of state bills are considered and passed. The health and well-being of transgender people—which was less of a focus even when more attention was paid to gay, lesbian, and bisexual people—are in particular jeopardy, as reimbursable services are being cut back and anti-transgender laws and policies are being implemented. The routes taken at this fork in the road will likely have long-term implications for LGBTQ+ people. For those in the health sectors and those concerned with equity, this is a critical moment when attention and action are needed. (author introduction)