NEW YORK – Lambda Legal released a nationwide survey today that looks into health care discrimination experienced by LGBT people and those living with HIV, according to The Associated Press.

During the spring of 2009, Lambda Legal circulated a survey across the country to many LGBT people and also people living with HIV, with the help of over a hundred partner organizations. The survey included some of the following: patients being refused care, medical professionals refusing to touch patients or using extra precautions, medical professionals using harsh or abusive language and professionals being rough or psychically abusive.

Based on the responses of over 5,000 participants, 56 percent of LGB participants in the survey claimed they have had one of these experiences, as well as 70 percent of transgender and gender nonconforming participants. Almost 63 percent of participants living with HIV also experienced one or more of these forms of discrimination.
From looking at the results, it was found that transgender or gender nonconforming participants dealt with two- to three-times more discrimination than LGB participants.

Beverly Tillery, Director of Community Education and Advocacy, finds the results unacceptable.

“The results of this survey should shock the conscience of this nation,” Tillery said, “and make it clear that the system is broke when it comes many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, and people living with HIV. No one should be turned away or face discrimination when they are sick or seeking medical care.”

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