LGBT Health & Human Services

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Coloradans, like many Americans, worry about health care and other vital human services for themselves and their families. Concern about getting equal access to the care they need is particularly high among transgender people, LGBT people of color, older individuals, and those with HIV / AIDS.

According to our 2010 Needs Assessment, 15% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual Coloradans have no health insurance, compared to an exceptionally high 29% of transgender people. One-tenth of survey respondents ranked “access to LGBT-welcoming health care” as the most important social-service-related issue facing the LGBT community in Colorado.

Far too often, LGBT individuals and families lack access to health insurance and safe, inclusive health care. They’re refused by insurance company after insurance company, treated horribly in hospitals, and denied the respect and compassion they need and deserve by health care professionals, from EMTs to doctors.

In collaboration with partner organizations and policy experts, One Colorado is committed to advancing policy, funding, and access to safe, inclusive health care and human services for LGBT Coloradans. Specifically, we will develop an LGBT health and human services initiative to identify the needs and experiences of LGBT Coloradans; form a steering committee of health and human services experts; build a coalition of direct-service organizations; write a report on the state of LGBT health and human services, documenting policy and funding priorities.

We believe that all people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, should have access to the care they need in a safe environment by understanding, compassionate professionals. And we’re committed to making this a reality in Colorado.