Denver, CO -- One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families released the following statement from Executive Director Daniel Ramos on LGBTQ Health Awareness Week.

“We strongly believe that every Coloradan should have the opportunity to be their healthiest. We have made significant progress in the last eight years to advance health outcomes for LGBTQ Coloradans, with policy changes like the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid expansion, non-discrimination protections at the Colorado Division of Insurance, and the benefits that come along with the freedom to marry -- but the lived health experience of LGBTQ people remains stagnant or has worsened."

"Despite the progress made, more LGBTQ Coloradans - especially transgender Coloradans - struggle to afford quality and inclusive care, and they often have to travel long distances to find a provider who will take their insurance. Experiences with harassment and discrimination have increased, and fewer people report these experiences to authorities. Behavioral health outcomes - including anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation - have grown worse. We’re at a critical turning point to improve LGBTQ health in the state.”

LGBTQ Health Awareness Week is March 25th - March 29th, a week-long observance to bring awareness to the unique health needs and disparities of the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ people encounter discrimination in employment, relationship recognition, and insurance coverage on a regular basis; consequently, they are less likely to be able to afford vital health care than their straight and non-transgender neighbors. For LGBTQ people of color, barriers to care and health disparities are even greater.