Mortality does differ by sexual orientation in many contexts ⭐, but the pattern is nuanced and strongly shaped by social conditions rather than by sexual orientation itself. Evidence suggests elevated premature mortality and specific causes of death (e.g., suicide, substance-related and some chronic conditions) among many lesbian, gay, and especially bisexual people, largely mediated by stress, discrimination, and related health behaviors. Sexual orientation is not inherently “lethal”; rather, stigma, structural inequality, and differential access to protection and care drive most documented differences. ⭐[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]