The CDC must issue new guidelines that require researchers to include sexual minorities in CDC funded studies.

In 1996, the CDC issued new guidelines that required researchers to include women and racial minorities in CDC funded studies. According to the guidlines, "it is the policy of CDC that women and racial and ethnic minorities must be sufficiently represented in human subjects research that is conducted or supported by CDC, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons that justify under-representation."

As a result of these guidelines, a wealth of lifesaving information was discovered about women and racial minorities.

Currently the CDC does not require researchers to actively recruit and categorize their human subjects by sexual orientation or gender identity. As a result, there is very little data on these communities, so it is difficult to draw conclusions about the health of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) people.

The CDC explicitly commits,"to protecting the health of all people regardless of their age, sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics."

Similar to women and ethnic minorities, LGBT people have unique health needs that require further study.

It is time to change CDC guidelines to include sexual orientation and gender identity as required classifications for CDC funded studies, so the CDC can fulfill its commitment to protecting the health of all people.