Disability Among Sexual Minority Women: Descriptive Data from an Invisible Population.

Abstract

To assess the health and well-being of sexual minority women (SMW) with disabilities. A survey assessing physical and mental health and quality of life was administered to a convenience sample of 52 women with disabilities and 74 without disabilities. All had been recruited for an SMW's health intervention targeting women over 40 with potential for weight-related health problems. Women with disabilities experienced more discrimination, had more posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders, were less connected to SMW's communities, had more physical health limitations, and reported poorer quality of life, mostly related to physical factors such as energy level and pain. SMW with disabilities have rarely been studied, and may have significant challenges with health, including greater need for community support. Studies are needed to further explore the influences on the health and well-being of SMW with disabilities.