A growing number of LGBT people are starting families. The 2010 US Census reported that approximately 19% of same-sex couples are currently raising children, and a 2013 Pew Research national survey found that 51% of LGBT adults of any age have children or would like to have children in the future. As an increasing number LGBT individuals and couples seek to have children, many will turn to their health care providers for resources and guidance. This brief walks through the various pathways to parenthood for LGBT people, as well as unique issues these couples and individuals may face as they consider their options. The pathways explored in the brief include adoption and foster parenting, donor insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF), and surrogacy. Also discussed are ways in which health care organizations can support LGBT parents. The brief can be used as a guide to tailor conversations about parenting desires with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients.
Learning Resources — Publications
HIV Prevention in the South: Reducing Stigma, Increasing Access
The HIV epidemic disproportionately affects the Southern U.S., where 51% of new HIV diagnoses occurred in 2013. Despite substantial progress along the continuum of care, HIV remains a major health concern in the South, particularly for young, Black gay and bisexual men, other men who have sex men (MSM), and transgender women. Our new publication “HIV Prevention in the South: Reducing Stigma, Increasing Access” presents four strategic elements for preventing the further spread of HIV among vulnerable populations in the South, and suggests a more hopeful future for reducing the HIV epidemic.
Providing Inclusive Services and Care for LGBT People: A Guide for Health Care Staff
Providing Inclusive Services and Care for LGBT People has been developed to help all members of the health care team provide an inclusive and affirmative environment for all clients, with a focus on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.
- Filed under
- Organizational Change
Promoting Health Care Access to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Farmworkers
Farmworker Justice and the National LGBT Health Education Center
There is a common misconception that few or no LGBT people exist within the farmworker community. As a result, the health care needs of LGBT farmworkers are often overlooked. There is no data regarding the number of LGBT individuals within the farmworker community. However, those who provide health care and public health interventions to farmworkers know from experience that LGBT people do exist in this community.
- Filed under
- LGBTQIA+ People of Color
Transgender Women and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention: What We Know and What We Still Need to Know
The National Center for Innovation in HIV Care
Transgender women are at elevated risk of becoming infected with HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention (PrEP) is effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM), heterosexual men and women, and people who inject drugs (PWID). While transgender women have been included in some clinical trials of PrEP, no study has shown PrEP to be effective in reducing transgender women’s HIV risk.
Protecting Yourself from HIV through Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): What You Need to Know
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the use of an HIV treatment medication for HIV-negative people at high risk of getting HIV through sexual exposure. Known as “pre-exposure prophylaxis”—or PrEP—this medication is a once-a-day pill to be used in combination with condoms and other safer sex behavioral strategies to reduce risk. Protecting Yourself from HIV through PrEP informs consumers about PrEP and how it works, as well as other ways they can work with their health care providers to protect themselves against HIV.
Taking Routine Histories of Sexual Health: A System-Wide Approach for Health Centers
The National Association of Community Health Centers and the National LGBT Health Education Center
To support health centers as they endeavor to better integrate sexual health into patient-centered care, we collaborated with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) to create Taking Routine Histories of Sexual Health: A System-Wide Approach for Health Centers (Toolkit).
- Filed under
- Organizational Change
Atención afirmativa para personas transgénero y de género no conformista: Mejores prácticas para el personal de atención médica de primera línea
Front-line staff play a key role in creating a health care environment that responds to the needs of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people. Everyone, no matter their gender identity or expression, appreciates friendly and courteous service. In addition, TGD people have unique needs when interacting with the health care system. Many TGD people experience stigma and discrimination in their daily lives, including when seeking health care.
- Filed under
- Transgender Health
Las necesidades de las personas LGBT en los Centros de Salud Lo que la Junta Directiva necesita saber
The National Association of Community Health Centers and the National LGBT Health Education Center
- Filed under
- Organizational Change
Pregunte y dígalo Series: Youth Poster
This poster was developed as a companion to the Pregunte y dígalo: Hable con su proveedor de atención médica sobre ser LGBTQ brochure for Latino/a LGBTQ youth and adolescents. The poster can be displayed in exam rooms, waiting areas, and other areas of health centers and healthcare organizations to let patients know that the organization provides a welcoming, inclusive environment of care. There is space on the poster to add your organization's logo.
- Filed under
- Patient Education Materials