Promoting Health Care Access to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Farmworkers

Farmworker Justice and the National LGBT Health Education Center

There is a common misconception that few or no LGBT people exist within the farmworker community. As a result, the health care needs of LGBT farmworkers are often overlooked. There is no data regarding the number of LGBT individuals within the farmworker community. However, those who provide health care and public health interventions to farmworkers know from experience that LGBT people do exist in this community.

These individuals face enormous challenges in accessing care, finding support, and feeling safe. This brief aids health care centers in recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBT farmworkers in order to provide quality care to this highly vulnerable population. The brief outlines the greatest health care challenges facing LGBT farmworkers, discusses best practices for building trust with this community, and provides available support systems and resources.