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Survey to assess health and well-being of LGBTQ people in Washington state

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Adrian Florez
/
KNKX

Local studies show LGBTQ people have higher-than-average rates of depression and substance abuse, according to Public Health — Seattle & King County. And they often have difficulty accessing the health care system. Researchers at the University of Washington are conducting a statewide study to learn more. 

Thesurvey focuses on members of the LGBTQ community who are 18 and older. The questionnaire, which takes about 30 minutes to complete, asks about people's health, financial status and social life. Questions include:

  • "Do you feel bullied at work?"
  • "Do you worry about having enough money for rent?" 
  • It also asks if you've told your siblings or friends about your sexual orientation or gender identity. 

UW researchers say the effort is part of an equity and diversity project aimed at helping the community better serve the LGBTQ population. 
Researchers promise that anyone filling out the questionnaire will remain anonymous — their answers won't be linked to their name or email address. Dozens of community organizations and agencies around the state are working with the researchers, to guarantee the broadest possible assessment. The survey is open to respondents until Sept. 15.

 

Paula is a former host, reporter and producer who retired from KNKX in 2021. She joined the station in 1989 as All Things Considered host and covered the Law and Justice beat for 15 years. Paula grew up in Idaho and, prior to KNKX, worked in public radio and television in Boise, San Francisco and upstate New York.