Homophobia is a "public health issue" because this discrimination and violence have "heavy and detrimental" consequences on the health of those who are victims, warns Public Health France on Monday, supporting figures. "The consequences are numerous in terms of psychological and identity disorders, consumption of psychoactive substances, degraded sexual health, difficulties in dialogue with health professionals and giving up care", writes the health agency on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Based on a summary of available French data and the publication of several studies dealing specifically with the consequences on mental health, Public Health France provides an overview of the impacts of discrimination on health.

The Agency concludes that they constitute a “major determinant of health which is often underestimated”.

Higher risks

One of the studies published on Monday shows that "the risk of a depressive episode, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempt is multiplied at least by two" in homosexual and bisexual people compared to the population of heterosexual people.

They are also more often victims of physical and / or verbal violence. According to the authors, a quarter of the increased risk of having depressive symptoms can be explained by the fact of having suffered violence in the past 12 months. “More than half (56%) of transgender people questioned via social networks in 2014 declared having suffered from depression following transphobic acts and 18% attempted suicide”, also points out Public Health France.

The public health agency also stresses that "the question of sexual orientation is little discussed in general medical consultation: 49% of lesbians and 40% of male homosexuals have never spoken of their sexual orientation to their doctor", a lack of communication which does not allow their specific needs to be taken into account "in terms of screening and vaccination for example".

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  • Society

  • Discrimination

  • Health

  • Homosexuality

  • Homophobia

  • Public health