The South-East Asia Region: Societal Conditions for LGBT Health and Cancer Research

Abstract

This chapter is a substitute for chapters that were not completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In lieu, this chapter on LGBT and cancer in the South-East Asia region provides an overview of recent changes in sexual and gender minorities’ legal situation, various aspects of LGBT communities, and organizations. While cancer is recognized as a threat to the region, a literature review of LGBT health research shows that a wide range of different topics are explored, with infectious diseases being the main focus. The time appears right for an expansion of the scope of LGBT health research to more prominently address noncommunicable diseases, such as cancer. However, it might be possible that COVID-19 will further delay research on noncommunicable diseases among LGBT populations.