Data on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are lacking—and more research about them is needed in order to improve LGBT health, according to a report covered by Reuters. Authored by the Institute of Medicine and commissioned by the National Institutes of Health, the report suggests that more research is needed into LGBT social influences, barriers to equitable LGBT health care and the needs of LGBT people from different generations. The report advocates for including questions about sexual orientation and gender identity on federally funded surveys. The report also shows that most providers aren’t educated enough in how to care for LGBT people. As a result, most providers aren’t asking the right questions about LGBT home life or ordering the proper physical and mental health tests.

To read the Reuters article, click here.