The New York State Department of Health has published a new report from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) that examines sexual orientation and gender identity among adults in the state. The findings aim to improve understanding of the health needs and disparities affecting 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,” he said. “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 report indicates that over one million adults in New York identify as LGBTQIA+. About 8.2 percent identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another sexual orientation, while around 1.4 percent identify as transgender, gender queer, gender non-conforming, non-binary or intersex.
Historical inequities have contributed to ongoing stigma and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals. These factors can cause chronic stress that leads to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Transgender and gender non-conforming people are noted as being at higher risk for targeted backlash.
Research such as the 2021 New York State LGBTQ+ Health and Human Services Needs Assessment has shown similar patterns of inequity within these communities. Early exposure to stigma can contribute to higher rates of anxiety, high blood pressure, depression, substance use disorder, attempted suicide among teens and young adults.
To address these issues, the Department’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Services works with service providers across the state on comprehensive programs targeting LGBTQ+ individuals’ needs through proven strategies. The office manages initiatives like the LGBTQI+ Health & Human Services initiative as well as part of the Lorena Borjas Transgender Wellness Equity Fund.
Currently there are 48 funded programs statewide—44 offering direct regional services plus four technical assistance programs—supported by $12 million in state funding including $2 million allocated specifically for transgender wellness efforts.
The Office collaborates on several key projects including regular statewide needs assessments conducted every five years along with campaigns such as annual HIV self-testing giveaways.
The BRFSS itself is an annual random phone survey used nationwide to monitor modifiable risk behaviors related to morbidity and mortality; its sample includes adult residents living privately or in college housing who have access to landlines or cell phones but excludes those living in group homes or congregate settings.
More information about these surveys is available at https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/. Details about services offered by the Department’s Office can be found at https://health.ny.gov/prevention/lgbtq/, while definitions regarding identities are provided by The Center at https://gaycenter.org/about/lgbtq/, and broader rights advocacy resources appear on the Human Rights Campaign website: https://www.hrc.org/.
