Gay men who live in U.S. states where same-sex marriage is legal make fewer doctor visits, have lower healthcare costs, and in general lead happier and healthier lives, according to a new study being published in the American Journal of Public Health.
Researchers at Columbia University analyzed health data from a group of gay men in Massachusetts for the twelve months before and after same-sex marriage was legalized in that state in 2003, and concluded that the number of visits by gay men to health clinics dropped significantly after same-sex unions were legalized.
The researchers surveyed the demand for medical and mental healthcare from more than 1,200 gay men registered with a Massachusetts health clinic in the 12 months prior to the 2003 change and the 12 months afterwards and found a 13-percent drop in healthcare visits after the law was enacted.
This was regardless of whether the men were in a stable relationship, the American Journal of Public Health reported.
There was a reduction in blood pressure problems, depression and “adjustment disorders,” which could be the result of reduced stress, researchers said.
“Our results suggest that removing these barriers improves the health of gay and bisexual men,” study leader Mark Hatzenbuehler said.
via: UPI
A spokesman for the Terrence Higgins Trust, a UK-based sexual health and HIV charity, told the BBC that “there is a known link between health and happiness.”
“It’s no surprise that people who are treated as second class citizens tend to have low self esteem, which in turn makes them more likely to take risks,” the spokesman said. “Whether this is drugs, alcohol abuse, or unsafe sex, treating gay men unequally has lasting repercussions for their health.”
Filed under: National Headlines
Florida teen fighting criminal charges related to same-sex relationship
Harvey: Gays deserve to be fired for displaying their lifestyles to everyone
Anti-gay marriage activist commits suicide on alter at Notre Dame cathedral
Texas judge enforces ‘morality clause’ to split up lesbian couple
Candidate for Va. Lt. Governor warns same-sex marriage leads to bestiality
ACLU, attorney condemn prosecution of teen who had sex with minor girlfriend
Sex and the teenage girl: The Kaitlyn Hunt tragedy
Transgender student skips graduation rather than wear female gown
UPDATED: Police call fatal New York City shooting an anti-gay hate crime
Attorney implies suspect’s child sexual abuse was a factor NYC killing
Iowa anti-gay activist explains his opposition to gay marriage: ‘It’s awful’
Details emerge in case against teen accused of lewd behavior with girlfriend
BREAKING: French president signs marriage equality bill into law
Everything is bigger in Texas – even the homophobia
Pa. school still refuses to announce transgender grad by his chosen name
Well, duh.
OMG NO WAY.
can I just second the duh above
Duh!
Gay Marriage should be LEGAL ALL OVER THE U.S.A.
hmmm…..surprise, surprise
Hmmmm…. I wonder why??? Maybe because we are not treated like second class citizens like we are in the U.S.?
Really? What’s the next study result…birds like to fly? Of course people are going to be happier where they are treated equally and their love and commitment for their spouse is recognized. Did we really need a study to tell us that? Well….on second thought…given the idiot “conservatives” spouting bullshit, maybe this study WAS necessary.
Wait where people are “accepted” they are happier? no way (sarcasm)
This is one of the arguments for same sex marriage in Australia too. BTW having looked at the abstract this research included bisexual men in the sample, thus it wasn’t just ‘gay’ men.
^hahahah love this!
…This is, news? Really? Like, this shouldn’t even surprise homophobic people, it’s just basic human brain/body interaction. It applies to everyone.
Duh
well shit who knew?….
Um…so “gay men” are the only LGBTQ persons who mattered enough to warrant study?
Duh! Same as straight men – we are all so connected in the great circle of life – can I get an Amen????
RAMEN? Where!? Oh Amen. Never mind. yeah, the sad thing is, too many bigots are so closed minded that they’ll shake their heads like a wet dog and cross their arms like a child with an attitude.
agree
not shocking!
makes sense to me…
duh?? *smiles
Well, there is one more study the opponents are going to use against marriage equality…
I don’t even wonder why..
Wow, who’d have thought that Just Having the Freedom to enjoy a Civil Right would improve someone’s emotional & physical health, even if an individual chose not to take advantage of it?! I WOULD!!!
No shit Sherlock…
and eating McDonald’s is bad for you