Abstract
The visibility of lesbians and lesbian health care issues has increased over the past few years. Health care institutions and health-related federal agencies are beginning to recognize lesbian health disparities as well as the unique needs of this vulnerable population. Although lesbians' health care needs are fundamentally women's health care needs, there are factors specific to lesbians that place them at greater risk for diseases such as cancer. Perhaps the most important issue affecting lesbian health in this country is access to health care services. Barriers to health care access include heterosexual assumptions by health care providers, exclusion of lesbian experience, homophobia and discrimination, and misinformation about screening needs for lesbians. These barriers—be they real or perceived—impact health-seeking behaviors and utilization of important screening services. As the body of literature on lesbian health grows, we are better able to define lesbianism and identify the needs of this population as well as the barriers to meeting those needs. Much work needs to be done in communicating strategies to remove the barriers to care. Dismantling access barriers and creating inclusive, culturally competent health care settings are important steps in eliminating health disparities for lesbians.