Across the United States and internationally, academic institutions are playing a critical role in uncovering some of the complex realities facing LGBTQIA+ communities. Through rigorous data analysis and large-scale studies, university researchers are helping to document persistent disparities in health outcomes, mental well-being, and workplace experiences—while also tracking promising signs of social progress.
Recent findings from leading universities reveal both the breadth of challenges and the importance of inclusive, evidence-based interventions. From elevated rates of depression among LGBTQIA+ college students to disproportionate cardiovascular disease risks among LGB veterans, these studies underscore how identity-based stressors, such as discrimination, exclusion, and lack of affirming care, can have profound consequences on physical and mental health. At the same time, research also points to the positive impacts of inclusive policies, community belonging, and shifting public attitudes.
As LGBTQIA+ visibility and self-identification continue to rise, these insights offer a timely call to action for policymakers, educators, clinicians, and advocates alike. The following university-led studies shed light on where disparities persist, what’s driving them, and what can be done to build healthier, more inclusive systems for everyone.
Global Attitudes Shift on LGBTQIA+ Groups
A sweeping international study has found that explicit bias—what people openly report about their attitudes toward stigmatized groups—has declined significantly across the globe over the past decade. Analyzing data from 1.4 million people in 33 countries, researchers tracked attitudes toward age, race, body weight, skin tone, and sexual orientation from 2009 to 2019. Published by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the study shows sharp drops in self-reported bias, particularly regarding sexual orientation, which fell by 43%. Implicit bias—unconscious associations measured by behavior-based tasks—proved more resistant to change, with mixed results across regions and categories. While implicit bias against gay individuals dropped substantially worldwide, biases related to age and weight remained stubbornly high. Lead author Benedek Kurdi emphasized that both explicit and implicit biases are malleable, and evolving media portrayals, social movements, and increased visibility of marginalized groups likely played a key role in shifting public attitudes.
Heart Health Disparities in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Veterans
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) veterans face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to their heterosexual peers, according to new research from Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Drawing on health records from over one million veterans, the study found LGB individuals were 24% more likely to develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease—even after adjusting for age, race, mental health, and substance use. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, suggest that persistent differences in smoking, alcohol use, and mental health may contribute to this elevated risk. As the population of older LGB adults grows, researchers urge clinicians and public health leaders to prioritize tailored interventions. “This is a critical moment to address the cardiovascular health of LGB veterans,” said lead author Dr. Carl Streed. The study marks one of the first large-scale examinations of heart health disparities in the veteran LGB community.
Hospitals Thrive When LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Is a Priority
Hospitals with strong LGBTQIA+ inclusive policies do more than support belonging, they create better work environments and higher quality care, according to University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and Human Rights Campaign Foundation researchers. In a cross-sectional analysis of over 7,300 nurses across 111 hospitals in New York and Illinois, researchers found that staff at facilities designated as LGBTQIA+ Healthcare Equality Leaders reported significantly lower rates of burnout and job dissatisfaction. These nurses were also more likely to rate the care at their hospitals as excellent and recommend the facility to others. The findings suggest that inclusion efforts—such as nondiscrimination policies, LGBTQIA+ clinical services, and equitable employee benefits—may be linked to improved morale and patient care. Rather than viewing LGBTQIA+ inclusion as a compliance checkbox, the study underscores its role in shaping healthier workplaces and better outcomes for everyone involved.
Mental Health Gap Widens for LGBTQIA+ Adults
A new study published by researchers at George Washington University Cancer Center and School of Medicine and Health Sciences reveals stark disparities in mental health diagnoses among sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals in the U.S. Analyzing data from over 270,000 participants in the All of Us Research Program, researchers found that SGM individuals experience significantly higher rates of nearly every major mental health condition compared to their cisgender heterosexual peers—even after accounting for age and race. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder were among the most prevalent conditions. The findings underscore the compounding impact of social stigma, discrimination, and structural barriers—from targeted legislation to reduced access to affirming care—that fuel chronic stress and worsen outcomes for SGM populations. Experts point to the urgent need for inclusive policy, social support systems, and culturally competent mental health care to address these issues and protect the well-being of all individuals, regardless of identity.
One in Four LGBTQIA+ Students Report Major Depression
LGBTQIA+ college students in the U.S. are facing a mental health crisis, with depression rates more than three times higher than their cisgender, heterosexual peers, according to a new study published in the Journal of American College Health. Drawing on data from nearly half a million student surveys collected between 2007 and 2022, researchers from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons found that while LGBTQIA+ students made up just under 19% of respondents, they accounted for almost half of all reported cases of major depression. The study also revealed that experiences of discrimination and a lack of belonging were key drivers of these disproportions. Despite being more likely to seek therapy, LGBTQIA+ students were less inclined to rely on family support. Researchers urge colleges and universities to act swiftly—calling for improved access to care, inclusive policies, and stronger community-building efforts to better support sexual and gender minority students.
