LGBT Foundation calls for urgent action after ONS reveals health inequalities for LGB+ people

LGBT Foundation has welcomed new findings from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on all-cause and cause-specific deaths by sexual orientation, describing the data as a “wake-up call” for the UK.

Although the research does not include trans people, the figures paint a stark picture of what it means to be LGB+ in Britain today. Combined with evidence from LGBT Foundation’s life-saving services and national healthcare initiatives such as Pride in Practice, the data reinforces what the charity has long warned: LGB+ people are disproportionately affected by health and wellbeing issues that impact quality of life. These include mental health challenges, limited access to preventive healthcare, substance misuse-related deaths, and barriers to treatment for conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The ONS report highlights significant disparities. The risk of alcohol-related death was almost twice as high for LGB+ people compared to heterosexual people, while the risk of drug-related death was nearly three times higher. Suicide rates were markedly higher among LGB+ individuals, particularly younger people aged 16 to 24.

Almost half of deaths in this age group were due to suicide, compared with just over a quarter among heterosexual peers. Suicide, cirrhosis and other liver diseases, and accidental poisoning through drug overdose were among the five most common causes of death for LGB+ people - none of which feature among the leading causes of death for heterosexual people.

These findings are a wake-up call. LGB+ people still face huge health inequalities, and that must change.

“This data may be difficult to read, but it is critical for driving investment in policies, preventive measures, awareness campaigns, and services led by and for LGBTQ+ people,” the charity said. It is calling for urgent action to expand mental health and recovery support services and to accelerate the national rollout of inclusive healthcare, priorities outlined in its National LGBTQ+ Health Mission. These measures, it argues, would significantly improve quality of life and ease pressure on an already stretched health service.

LGBT Foundation is inviting organisations across the healthcare sector to join efforts to champion inclusive care and influence policy. Alex Matheson, Director of Inclusion at LGBT Foundation, said: “These findings are a wake-up call. LGB+ people still face huge health inequalities, and that must change. Hope is here - we’ve seen it through our own work creating better, safer primary care services, older people’s care, trans healthcare, and improvements across the system. With the right funding and partnerships, we can make sure everyone gets the care they deserve.”

Tom Montrose-Moss, Head of Insight & Performance, added: “Data like this, utilising the incredible dataset that is the census, provides an important national picture. It’s the blueprint for change, showing us where the gaps are and what needs fixing. National data is the key to progress, and now is the time for LGBTQ+ voices and lived experiences to be seen, heard, and counted.”