New Data Spotlights Colorado's LGBTQ+ Community
New data on sexual orientation and gender identity among adults in Colorado highlights broad disparities and upends some common misperceptions.
The Colorado Health Institute's just-released analysis of data from the 2023 Colorado’s Health Access Survey (CHAS) shows the state's LGBTQ+ population was young, educated, and present in every part of the state. Nearly 400,000 Colorado adults identified as LGBTQ+. That’s 8.9% of the adult population. One in five adults (20.2%) under age 30 identified as LGBTQ+. And almost one in 10 adults in both urban and rural areas identified as LGBTQ+.
But this group faces huge disparities in mental health and access to care. Twice as many LGBTQ+ adults said that providers treated them dismissively (13.0% compared with 6.5% for straight and cisgender adults). And barriers to mental health care for LGBTQ+ people were higher for all reasons compared with their straight and cisgender neighbors. Read the full report.
The release of new analysis on Colorado's LGBTQ+ community follows the February launch of findings from the CHAS. That release included key data on insurance coverage, mental health, climate and health, housing stability, food security, affordability of care, long COVID, and other topics. Over the course of the year, the Colorado Health Institute will continue to roll out new analyses of additional survey topics. Visit the CHAS website frequently for new updates and new analysis.
The Colorado Health Foundation is the lead sponsor for the Colorado Health Access Survey. Other funders include the Colorado Springs Health Foundation, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, Colorado Department of Human Services, Colorado Office of e-Health Innovation, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado Gives Foundation, Delta Dental Foundation of Colorado, and the Steadman Group.
About the Colorado Health Institute
The Colorado Health Institute is a nonprofit, mission-driven research and consulting group advancing equity and well-being in our communities through deep expertise and implementational know-how. We simplify the complex, provide context, and advance policies that make a difference.
Contact for the Colorado Health Institute
Joe Hanel, Communications Director, hanelj@coloradohealthinstitute.org or 720.382.7093