myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community’s Post

Exciting news for LGBTQ+ aging advocacy! California launches its first-ever survey to better understand the needs of LGBTQ seniors across the state. As Openhouse Executive Director, Kathleen M. Sullivan, Ph.D., rightly pointed out, "We don’t have a good idea of what the aging experience is for the LGBTQ+ community." This initiative aims to shed light on the unique challenges faced by this community, from healthcare demands to finding inclusive assisted living options. The survey, part of California's Master Plan for Aging, reflects a crucial step toward ensuring equitable and tailored support for LGBTQ+ elders. By gathering data and insights directly from the community, we can work towards closing gaps in services and promoting inclusivity in aging care. Read more about this groundbreaking effort in the San Francisco Chronicle: https://lnkd.in/gwUBR6jE Let's continue to champion initiatives that prioritize the well-being of LGBTQ+ seniors and create a more supportive and inclusive aging landscape for all.  #LGBTQ #AgingAdvocacy #InclusiveAging #CaliforniaAgingSurvey

It’s a common misconception that people in the LGBTQ+ community can’t donate organs. However, anyone can become an organ donor, and anyone can benefit from receiving a life-saving organ transplant.   The passage of the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act in 2013 paved the way for the transplantation of organs from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients. As of May 2024, 29 hospitals in the U.S. participate in HOPE Act research.   The act has also helped to advance greater understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, which has been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Everyone has the potential to leave a lasting legacy through organ donation, providing immediate hope for those waiting for a life-saving transplant. #PrideMonth #SayYesGiveLife

During "Warning: Fighting New HIV Criminalization Threats to LGBTQ+ & Black Communities," Project Manager & Trainer Aleyah Lopez (she/her) shared with organizers from around the country lessons learned in the succesful fight for HIV decriminalization in New Jersey. Attendees were introduced to the concept of HIV criminalization — or the treatment of HIV transmission differently from other STIs — as well as the current and impending legal and social landscape faced by people living with HIV. Always placing people living with HIV at the forefront, panelists connected attendees with coalitions and resources so they could start engaging in advocacy immediately. Alongside Aleyah were some of our incredible partners: Mandisa Moore-O'Neal (The Center for HIV Law and Policy); Mike Webb (Equality Federation), Kamaria Laffrey (SERO Project); and consultant Robert Suttle. [Image description: Photo of Garden State Equality team member Aleyah Lopez sitting a table, speaking on a panel during a conference presentation. In front of her is an open laptop; she is speaking into a microphone. Along the top is the following text in white: “'The last thing you want is for a (HIV criminalization) bill to sneak its way in under the radar. That makes it so much harder to mobilize against it.' Aleyah Lopez (she/her), Project Manager & Trainer. # WeAreCreatingChange • Creating Change 2024." #WeAreCreatingChange @thetaskforce #HIV #AIDS #HIVadvocacy #HIVpolicy #socialjustice #HIVcriminalization #HIVdecriminalization #LGBT #LGBTQ #queer #trans

🥂 We finally made it to February! 🥂 January always feels like the worlds longest month, so congratulations to everyone for making it through. 😂 February also marks the start of LGBT+ History Month, and with this year’s theme of ‘Medicine - #underthescope’ I wanted to highlight some of the key moments in LGBT+ healthcare history. ❤️ 1981 - The first cases of AIDS are recorded. Terrence Higgins is the first British gay man diagnosed with AIDS and his partner and friends set up the Terrence Higgins Trust after his death in 1982, which goes on to become a leading sexual health and HIV charity in the UK 🧡 1996 - Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is found to significantly delay the onset of AIDS in people living with HIV, marking a significant breakthrough in AIDS treatment. The NHS makes the treatment available in the UK 💛 2004 – LGBT+ History Month is founded. The UK Gender Recognition Act becomes law on July 1st, offering trans people full legal recognition of their change of gender 💚 2006 - The first annual LGBT Health Summit is held in London, providing a safe and supportive space for individuals, organisations, and activists to come together to discuss and debate LGBT healthcare practices in the UK 💙 2018 - The UK’s Government Equalities Office publishes the National LGBT Survey. Over 108,000 people participated in the survey making it the largest national survey of LGBT people in the world to date 💜 2019 - The World Health Organisation declassifies transgender as a mental illness. The UK Government appoints Dr Michael Brady as the first National Advisor for LGBT Health in the NHS This is of course just a small selection of the incredible achievements in LGBT+ healthcare. Which ones have I missed? #lgbthistorymonth #lgbtqia #lgbtqrights #lgbtqhealth #healthcare

Amplify Voices, Break Barriers: 🗣️🔗 This HIV/AIDS Commemoration let's amplify the voices often unheard. Join our campaign, empowering marginalized groups, especially women, in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The diverse participation of key stakeholders, including CSW, LGBTQ+ individuals, marginalized groups, military, police, people living with HIV, and Human Rights organizations, CARE International, created a unique platform for collective action. By engaging these diverse groups, we've amplified the discourse on the intersectionality of HIV/AIDS and gender equality. Together, we've fostered an environment of inclusivity, ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups, such as Commercial Sex Workers, LGBTQ+ individuals are heard. The military and police presence reaffirms our commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering understanding within these institutions. This commemoration serves as a beacon, inspiring continued collaboration for a gender-equal response to HIV/AIDS. Let's harness the momentum generated during these two days to drive lasting change, ensuring that our efforts are not just commemorated but translated into tangible actions for a world free from discrimination and inequality. 🌍💙 #EmpowerEquality #HIVActionNow

🌈❣️ #WorldAIDSDay Reflections: Surviving the Epidemic ❣️🌈 As we commemorate World #AIDS Day, let's remember that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Over 39 million people globally are still living with #HIV, and a quarter of them lack access to healthcare. This pandemic persists, impacting lives with illness, prejudice, and stigma. On this day, we stand in solidarity, raising awareness of this epidemic that impacted the LGBTQ+ community so heavily in the 1980's. 🌍 Personal Perspective: A 64-Year-Old's Reflection Meet our incredible DRM Volunteer, Ash, who lived through the early days of the epidemic. He vividly recalls the fear, homophobia, and lack of support during a time when misinformation and discrimination ran rampant. But resilience prevailed as the LGBTQ+ community rallied, supporting each other through organisations like 'Switchboard' and 'Sahir House.' 📖 New Blog Alert: "Surviving the Epidemic: A 64-Year-Old’s Reflection on World AIDS Day. Gain insights into a survivor's journey, the challenges faced, and the triumphs achieved. Join us in commemorating the past, acknowledging the present, and fostering hope for the future. 🔗 Read here: https://lnkd.in/euzxrtmp 💪 Diversity Role Models is committed to raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. While our workshops focus on broader topics, we understand the importance of addressing HIV-related questions. We encourage dialogue, signpost resources like @switchboardlgbt and @themixuk and celebrate the strength of our community. 👥 Celebrating LGBTQ+ Elders Our community is resilient. We didn't just survive; we thrived. Diversity Role Models proudly showcases #LGBTQ+ elders, reminding everyone that we fought against adversity and continue to support each other. Together, we build bridges between generations, ensuring that the wisdom and strength of our chosen family endure. Join us in commemorating #WorldAIDSDay, honouring those we've lost, supporting those living with HIV, and fostering a future free from stigma. 🕊️🏳️🌈 #EndTheStigma #LGBTHistory #LGBTQEducation #LGBTQSupport

The landscape of anti-transgender and non-binary legislation in the United States has been expanding, with a significant number of states proposing or enacting laws that restrict the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals. These laws cover a wide range of areas, including bathroom access, healthcare, sports participation, and more. For instance, Missouri has proposed legislation that would create a "hostile work environment" by prohibiting employees from sharing restrooms with members of the opposite sex, essentially targeting transgender individuals. Similarly, Florida has introduced a bill that would ban the use of preferred personal titles or pronouns in the workplace if they do not correspond to the person's . American Civil Liberties Union of the Nation's Capital (ACLU-DC) reports that state legislatures have been advancing a record number of bills that attack LGBTQ rights, particularly targeting transgender youth. These attacks include bills that limit the ability to update gender information on IDs, impose healthcare restrictions, and prohibit transgender individuals from using facilities that match their gender identity. The 19th News has highlighted that at least 10 states are pushing legislation that would exclude transgender and nonbinary people from accessing public services and deny them equal legal protection, affecting areas such as driver's license updates, holding public office, and using public restrooms. Human Rights Campaign also provides an overview of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, noting that these laws have included bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and the criminalization of drag performances in states like Texas. In the face of these challenges, President Joe Biden has expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community, and his administration has taken steps to advance equality and remove barriers to access government services for transgender, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ individuals . However, the effectiveness of these measures in counteracting state-level restrictions remains to be fully seen. For the transgender community and its allies, moving forward in the face of such oppression involves continued advocacy, legal challenges to discriminatory laws, and efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of transgender rights. Organizations such as Lambda Legal, the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD and the Transgender Law Center are at the forefront of these efforts, providing resources, legal support, and advocacy to protect and advance transgender rights. Engaging in political processes, supporting trans-led initiatives, and fostering alliances across movements are crucial steps in building a more inclusive and understanding society. Arianna Lint www.AriannaLint.com

February has been designated as LGBT+ History Month in the UK, despite the celebration taking place in October in the US. The month was chosen to coincide with the abolition of Section 28, a law that said local authorities must not “intentionally promote homosexuality”. LGBT+ History Month is a month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer history. It helps to raise awareness about the issues faced by LGBTQ+ people. This year marks the 19th anniversary of LGBT History Month.   Why is LGBT History Month important?  In the workplace, a recent survey found that 25% of the LGBTQ+ community have experienced discrimination based on their orientation, and 31% reported feeling unhappy or depressed. These statistics alone highlight the importance of informative awareness events like LGBT History Month.  LGBT+ History Month also provides a real opportunity to educate those not part of the LGBT+ community and encourage acceptance and equality. It’s crucial individuals learn about our past to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself. Tackling ignorance today ensures a better tomorrow for LGBT+ people.   What is this years theme?  The theme for LGBT History Month 2024 is Medicine #UnderTheScope. LGBT History Month 2024 this year is an opportunity to celebrate the lives and work of LGBT healthcare professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine. LGBT+ people are our doctors, nurses, care assistants and scientists. It is also a time to examine the health inequalities that LGBT people have experienced historically and still face today. Ending the Stigma and Tackling HIV over the last 40 years. As always, we should use LGBT history month in celebrating and remembering the remarkable and continuous achievements lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people have made in tackling HIV over the last 40 years. The HIV and AIDS epidemic are a significant and important part of LGBT+ history. Since the 1980s, the LGBT+ community has fought long and hard to ensure that those living with HIV can access treatment and live dignified lives. LGBT+ History Month is an opportunity to learn more about LGBT+ people living with HIV, as well as the work being done to end HIV and HIV stigma.  At Proud@Shell UK we are preparing a number of events/activities to raise awareness of the importance of LGBT History Month.

So honored to chat with CBS Chicago about the recent study from American Cancer Society detailing the health disparities experienced by the LGBTQ community. This first-ever LGBTQ+ report notes that LGBTQ+ people are probably at higher risk for cancer, yet experience multiple barriers to high-quality healthcare access (discrimination, shortfalls in provider knowledge of unique medical needs). Additionally, LGBTQ+ people living with HIV, HPV, and HCV share considerably higher risks of various cancers. Finally, screening for some cancers is low among transgender people. For more information about the report or to get screened, visit cancer.org. https://lnkd.in/gbBA_UqV

🌟 Addressing the Cancer Burden for LGBTQ+ Americans 🌟 A recent article by U.S. News highlights the alarming impact of stress and discrimination on the cancer burden faced by LGBTQ+ Americans. The article underscores a critical issue: LGBTQ+ individuals often face higher levels of stress and discrimination, which can contribute to an increased risk of cancer. This reality calls for urgent action and awareness within the healthcare community. At Hooks Consulting, LLC, we are committed to addressing these disparities through education and advocacy. Our training programs are designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills needed to create supportive and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ patients. By understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by this community, we can work towards reducing these health disparities and improving outcomes. Let’s work together to create a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system for everyone. #HealthcareEquity #LGBTQHealth #CancerAwareness #HooksConsulting #InclusiveCare #PatientAdvocacy #HealthDisparities