A research report shows that LGBT people in Switzerland are disadvantaged in several areas of health. Especially with regard to mental and sexual health as well as the consumption of substances. The Federal Council therefore wants to examine how LGBT people can be better reached.
Health inequalities
At its meeting on December 9, 2022, the Federal Council adopted the postulate report on the health of LGBT people. With the postulate Marti (19.3064), it was instructed by parliament to prepare a report on the health of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. The FOPH therefore commissioned the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts to conduct a research report on the health of LGBT people. This report is based on a literature review, the Swiss Health Survey, and an online survey of LGBT people. Its development was accompanied by LGBT stakeholders. In addition to sexual orientation, it also takes gender identity into account.
The report shows that there are health inequalities between LGBT people and other members of the Swiss population. These disparities are particularly strong in the areas of mental health, substance use, and sexual health. Some LGBT people reported experiences of discrimination in health care and indicated to have abstained from health care services due to fear of discrimination and lack of trust.
Discrimination affects health
The Federal Council wants to examine how LGBT people can be better reached. LGBT people should be better taken into account of in national strategies and programs. The fight against discrimination and violence should be considered as an aspect relevant to health. Furthermore, more research and additional data are needed to gain a more complete picture of the health and social situation of LGBT people in Switzerland.
Here you can find the research report and further information on the health of LGBT people:
HSLU report on the health of LGBT people in Switzerland
Media release on the health of LGBT people in Switzerland
«Gesundheit von LGBT Personen in der Schweiz» - Research report of the University of Lucerne 2022. Original report in German, translation in French, summaries available in English and Italian.
This study is based on a literature review, an evaluation of the Swiss Health Survey and an online survey of LGBT people living in Switzerland. Its development was accompanied by LGBT stakeholders. Mental health, sexual health, substance use, experience of discrimination or violence, and access to health services were among the issues considered. The results of this comparative study have been integrated in the report in response to the postulate 19.3064
Postulate report: the postulate report on the health of LGBT people in Switzerland is only available in German or in French (full versions) and (as a summary) in Italian
Promoting equity
Switzerland is committed to combating discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This is in line with its domestic and foreign policy commitment to strengthening human rights. LGBTI issues will be attached to the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) from 2024 onwards. It concluded that the FOGE is best suited to deal with LGBTI issues since, under the Gender Equality Act, it promotes gender equity in all areas of life and is committed to the elimination of all forms of direct and indirect discrimination. See press release of the Federal Council
For further information: Subscribe to our newsletter on health equity, available in French and German
Last modification 10.07.2023