Care Connection Newsletter

People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ+) are members of every community. They are diverse, come from all walks of life, and include people of all races and ethnicities, all ages, all socioeconomic statuses, and from all parts of the country. The perspectives and needs of LGBTQ+ people should be routinely considered in public health efforts to improve the overall health of every person and eliminate health disparities.

Pride Month is a month-long celebration that recognizes the LGBTQ+ community; it serves as a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to celebrate diversity, raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights, and foster a sense of community acceptance.

Prepare for Pride events with materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign. The Pride in a Box Toolkit provides tips to plan and optimize participation in local Pride festivals and post-event activities. There is also a social media toolkit, as well as additional materials.

By participating in Pride Month events, supporting LGBTQ+ organizations, and advocating for equality, we can contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society. Here are some ways you can participate:

Attend Pride Parades and Events: Check local listings for Pride parades, festivals, and events happening in your area. Participate in the vibrant celebrations, join marches, and immerse yourself in the supportive and inclusive atmosphere. These events are an opportunity to show solidarity and celebrate diversity while having a great time.
Educate Yourself and Others: Understand terminology. Take the time to learn about the history, struggles, and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. Read books, watch films, listen to podcasts, and engage in conversations that foster understanding and empathy. Share your knowledge with others, particularly those less familiar with LGBTQ+ issues, to promote acceptance and awareness.
Support LGBTQ+ Organizations: Consider donating to LGBTQ+ charities and organizations that promote equality and provide support to the community. Volunteer your time or skills to help organize events or initiatives that uplift and empower LGBTQ+ individuals.
Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights: Use your voice to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in your community. Engage in conversations, challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviors, and support legislative changes that protect the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Show Support on Social Media: Use your online platforms to support Pride Month. Share uplifting messages, stories of LGBTQ+ individuals, and resources related to LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. Use hashtags such as #PrideMonth2024 and #LoveIsLove to amplify the message of inclusivity and love.

In addition to considering the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals in programs designed to improve the health of entire communities, culturally competent medical care and prevention services specific to this population are also needed because they are more likely to experience certain health-related challenges and disparities. Healthy People 2030 supports improving the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ populations through health behavior objectives, objectives to address systemic problems, and objectives to increase data collection on LGBTQ+ health and well-being.

There are several ways to create a safer and more affirming environment for LGBTQ+ patients. Following are three recommendations, with accompanying education from trusted organizations such as Howard Brown Health and SAGECare.

Use affirming and respectful terminology

Using the correct language to address clients and peers is an obvious way to show them you care. But language is ever-evolving. It’s important to stay updated on respectful terminology - including what terms to avoid - and adapt your practice accordingly. As explained by SAGECare in this Hearing and Using LGBT-Affirming Language module, whether a term is positive or negative is often determined by the context within which it’s used. For example, the word “queer” has a history of being used pejoratively, but it has since been reclaimed. Older LGBT older adults, however, may still find the word triggering. To understand your patients’ preferences, listen to the words they initially use to describe themselves and their relationships and reflect that language back to them.
Learn more: Defining LGBTQ+ Terms for Physicians

Think beyond the binary

Despite the varieties of gender identity and expression that have existed for centuries, society often takes a binary view of sex and gender. As stated in the Howard Brown Health module Creating Trans-Affirming Spaces: Using Gender-Appropriate Language, “Those who fit into a binary are normalized and privileged while those who challenge these standards are punished.” It’s important that health professionals recognize gender as a spectrum. Simple actions you can take in your practice to move beyond binaries include offering gender-neutral bathrooms and using inclusive language on intake forms—for example, “preferred name” and “preferred pronouns.”
Learn more: LGBT Inclusion: A SAGECare Podcast

Stay up to date on LGBTQ+ health issues and disparities

LGBTQ+ patients face unique health risks, both mental and physical. This includes higher rates of chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes; higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide; and evidence of higher rates of cancer. LGBTQ+ patients who are also members of minority populations confront even more significant health disparities. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ youth are among those most vulnerable to human trafficking. By being aware of these specific health care risks, you’ll be more likely to look out for them and offer the appropriate support and resources.
Learn more: LGBTQ+ Essentials: Foundations of Care

Clinic to Community: Utilizing the 340B Program to Improve HIV Care for Urban Indian Populations

June 27 | 1:00 pm CT/ 12:00 pm MT

Join the National Council of Urban Indian Health for the second presentation in its “Clinic to Community” series, designed to provide Urban Indian Organizations and similar safety net providers with more information on the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The session will provide an in-depth overview of the 340B Program, covering its purpose, benefits, and the critical policies and procedures necessary for effective implementation. Through this detailed presentation, participants will understand how to maximize the benefits of the 340B Program within their organizations and ensure its effective and efficient utilization, increasing access to affordable medications and improving HIV care. One continuing nursing education credit is available.