This week is LGBT Health Awareness Week, a time to bring attention to the devastating cycle of discrimination and health disparities that affect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

LGBT people encounter discrimination in employment, relationship recognition and insurance coverage on a regular basis; consequently, they are less likely to be able to afford vital health care than their straight and non-transgender neighbors. For LGBT people of color, barriers to care and health disparities are even greater.

The week falls during the first-ever Transgender Month of Action for Healthcare Equality, which seeks to educate leaders and co-workers about the health-care disparities faced by transgender people. You can click here to pledge to support the transgender month of action.