Chronic Pain in Sexual & Gender Minority (SGM) Adults: Lessons from the PRIDE Study

By Hannah Friedman | June 24, 2025

A July 2024 analysis published in Pain Medicine used data from the PRIDE Study, an American cohort of LGBTQ+ adults, to explore chronic pain patterns in sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals. 

Study Overview

  • 6,189 American adults completed the 2022 PRIDE questionnaire; of those who completed the pain questions, 2,935 reported experiencing chronic pain (lasting 3+ months).
  • Pain locations were categorized as either localized (one area) or widespread (three or more regions).

Key Findings

  1. Chronic pain is common among SGM individuals, with spine pain most frequently reported.
  2. Widespread pain is prevalent in non‑binary/other-gender individuals, transgender men, queer, asexual/demisexual/gray ace, and other-sexual-orientation persons, with over one-third reporting pain in 3+ areas.
  3. Pain prevalence varied across sexual orientations: pansexual, asexual, demisexual, gray-ace, and other-orientation groups had higher widespread pain compared to straight, bisexual, gay, or lesbian individuals.

Implications for Healthcare Providers

These results challenge us to rethink pain care:

  • Normalize & validate pain experiences in SGM patients.
  • Use inclusive language and demonstrate cultural humility in conversations.
  • Understand that chronic pain is often linked with psychosocial stress related to identity and minority status.
  • Advocate for SGM-informed pain management by welcoming referrals to supportive community or peer-based services.

For healthcare professionals, this study serves as a call to action. Equitable pain care must consider the intersecting identities of patients, and providers should be trained to deliver affirming, inclusive care. Trauma-informed approaches, active listening, and culturally responsive communication are critical for building trust and improving outcomes.

Providers should also consider referring patients to reliable, inclusive self-management resources that can support them between visits.

What This Means for SGM Patients with Pain

If you identify as LGBTQ+, this study confirms that your experience is valid and that chronic pain is a widespread reality across the community. Many face not only the physical burden of pain, but also higher levels of emotional and social stress, which can exacerbate symptoms. Recognizing this isn’t just important, it’s essential for receiving compassionate, inclusive care.

The findings underscore the importance of healthcare providers:

  • Creating safe, affirming environments that respect patients’ gender and sexual identities.
  • Asking about gender identity and sexual orientation as part of routine pain assessments.
  • Addressing intersectional stressors such as stigma, discrimination, and trauma that may worsen pain.

Final Thoughts

This study validates what many SGM individuals already know: pain doesn’t discriminate, and neither does stigma. As a community and as healthcare professionals, we can use this data to build a more inclusive future for pain care. Whether you’re living with pain or supporting those who are, your experiences matter and your voice can drive change.

Source:

Chadwick AL, Lisha NE, Lubensky ME, et al. Localized and widespread chronic pain in sexual and gender minority people—an analysis of the PRIDE Study. Pain Medicine. 2024 Jul;25(7):483–486. doi:10.1093/pm/pnae02