LGBTQ+ Health and Civil Rights

Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity

APA Services advocates for the equal treatment of people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities as well as policies that advance health equity among people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender through the application of psychological science.

Our focus

  • Advance legislation that promotes equality for, and combats discrimination against, sexual and gender minorities.
  • Promote sound policies and legislation to advance the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data in federally-funded surveys, surveillance systems, and research.
  • Develop psychology workforce capacity to better address LGBTQ+ health disparities, particularly those related to behavioral health.
  • Partner with and assist allies on the state and local levels.

What you can do

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Get involved in APA advocacy

Get involved

Learn more about the process behind federal legislation and policy and how to effectively voice your concerns with members of Congress.
join an APA division

Join an APA division

APA’s 54 divisions provide many ways for you to network with professionals in your field and become an influencer in your area of interest.

Health equity

APA works to advance health equity by supporting policies to reduce or eliminate disparities in health outcomes, as well as those that address underlying social determinants that affect the health and well-being of populations that have experienced economic and social marginalization.

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Contact us

Stefanie Reeves, FASAE, CAE
Deputy Chief of Public Policy and Engagement

Raegina Likewise
Senior Manager of Congressional and Federal Relations

Email APA Advocacy Office

More on LGBTQ+ health and civil rights

Fact sheet

Public policies, prejudice, and sexual and gender minority health (PDF, 2.7MB) opens in new window

Recent developments have influenced the fundamental rights of sexual and gender minorities in the United States, affecting them in schools, the workplace, and other public settings.
Resources and publications

Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity

APA has produced many resources to educate the public, support the work of psychologists, and inform public policy about LGBTQ+ people and their lives and health needs.

Resources for grassroots and state-level advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues

Learn more about policy issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, such as banning sexual orientation change therapy and religious exemption efforts. Includes discussion points and references for more information on each topic.

Letter of support for the 2023 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) (PDF, 90KB) opens in new window

APA letter of support from Dr. Arthur Evans on July 27, 2022 for the 2023 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health.

Response to the Request for Information on the Development of the Fiscal Years 2026-2030 NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Sexual & Gender Minority Health Research (PDF, 77KB) opens in new window

Perspectives on Sexual & Gender Minority Health Research, such as the highest priority needs and emerging areas of opportunity related to SGM health research at NIH.
Last updated: October 2024Date created: October 2021