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 statements from Executive Director Daniel Ramos and Policy Director Cara Cheevers on LGBTQ Health Awareness Week and LGBTQ Access to Health Care.

“Creating welcoming, accepting, and inclusive environments – regardless if it’s at the doctor’s office or in everyday life – is the only way to truly allow LGBTQ Coloradans to live healthy and affirmed lives.”

-Executive Director Daniel Ramos

“Much has changed since One Colorado’s inaugural LGBTQ health assessment was conducted and published in 2011. More LGBTQ Coloradans than ever before have health insurance coverage, and they report better overall health than their non-LGBTQ counterparts. Yet, many barriers still exist that limit an individual’s ability to get safe, affirming, quality health care that every person deserves.”

-Policy Director Cara Cheevers

One Colorado conducted a comparative LGBTQ health assessment during the summer of 2018 and will release the report later this spring. The initial findings highlight trends in the experiences of LGBTQ Coloradans accessing health care compared to 2011. One in three transgender Coloradans have been denied coverage for an LGBTQ-specific medical service, like HIV medications, hormones, PrEP, PEP, HPV vaccine, gender affirming care. Fewer people are out to their provider in 2018, and the most commonly cited reasons for such are fear of discrimination and worry that their providers are not supportive of LGBTQ people. Cost remains the greatest barrier to health care for LGBTQ people, more so than in 2011. Thirty-six percent of LGBTQ respondents reported needing to see a healthcare professional but not being able to due to cost in the past year, compared to 12.9% of the general public.

LGBTQ Health Awareness Week is March 25th - March 29th, a national 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. This is the 17th annual observance of LGBTQ Health Awareness Week.