Report: Study of gay, transgender health needed

WASHINGTON (AP) — Scientists only recently learned how certain diseases affect women differently than men, and blacks differently than whites. Now a major new report says it's time to study the unique health needs of gay and transgender people, too.

The Institute of Medicine says stigma often keeps lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from seeking health care — and when they do, there's little research to guide doctors in their treatment.

Today's report says changing that starts with a seemingly simple step: Researchers should ask people about their sexual orientation and gender identity, just as they routinely ask about race and ethnicity, in all government-funded health studies.

The report was welcomed by the gay-rights community as a long-needed step in addressing health disparities.