Timeline of sexual orientation and medicine

Timeline of events related to sexual orientation and medicine 1886 1948 1953 1957 1973 1975 1977 1981 1987 1990 1991 1992 1993 1995 1996 2002 America's gay and lesbian population comprises a diverse community with disparate health concerns.

Some evidence suggests lesbians have higher rates of smoking, overweight, alcohol use disorder, and stress than heterosexual women.

Nonheterosexual youth often are subjected to harassment and violence; 45% of gay men and 20% of lesbians surveyed were victims of verbal and physical assaults in secondary school specifically because of their sexual orientation.

Some of these youth engage in substance use, and they are more likely than heterosexual peers to start using tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs at an earlier age.

Youth in high school who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, or bisexual; engage in sexual activity with persons of the same sex; or report same-sex romantic attractions or relationships are more likely to attempt suicide, be victimized, and abuse substances.