Health inequalities have emerged as a key global concern in the early twenty-first century notably in the work of Wilkinson and Pickett (2009) and also of Michael Marmot (2008) for the World Health Organisation. Health inequalities are differences between individuals’ health experiences or outcomes which stem from social inequalities, including sexual orientation and gender identity. While there is a substantial body of evidence that social inequalities lead to poorer health outcomes in relation to class, ‘race’ and gender, there has been little examination of the social inequalities and poor ... More

Health inequalities have emerged as a key global concern in the early twenty-first century notably in the work of Wilkinson and Pickett (2009) and also of Michael Marmot (2008) for the World Health Organisation. Health inequalities are differences between individuals’ health experiences or outcomes which stem from social inequalities, including sexual orientation and gender identity. While there is a substantial body of evidence that social inequalities lead to poorer health outcomes in relation to class, ‘race’ and gender, there has been little examination of the social inequalities and poor health outcomes experienced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) people. The health of LGBT people may be compromised by a range of factors including homelessness, being a looked after child, gender nonconformity especially in childhood, in End of Life Care or living in residential care. Social workers play a key role in supporting LGBT people when their health is impaired, but they can also take action to actively promote health and well-being. This book will engage with social work’s contribution to reducing LGBT health inequalities, in particular: by examining key concepts relevant to health inequalities including the social determinants of health and human rights approaches; showcasing social work interventions aimed at making a difference in LGBT people’s health and social care outcomes; discussing research and curricula developments in social work which inform good practice.