Openhouse’s Post

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.

A recent KFF report showed that 24% of LGBTQ+ adults, compared to only 9% of non-LGBTQ+ adults, experienced a negative healthcare experience in the past three years that *worsened* their health. Our health systems cannot improve for all if they aren't accessible and inclusive to everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.    We must improve how data is collected for LGBTQ+ individuals if we want to address the disparities they face and create better access to high-quality care.   In part one of a three-part AJMC - The American Journal of Managed Care feature series, Mandi Pratt-Chapman shares how better data can address pressing health needs in the LGBTQ+ community, discusses how this data can inform providers to best support their patients, and highlights solutions that can create better health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals.    More here: https://lnkd.in/e-vKzcZa   #HealthEquity #DataEquity

A recent KFF report showed that 24% of LGBTQ+ adults, compared to only 9% of non-LGBTQ+ adults, experienced a negative healthcare experience in the past three years that *worsened* their health. Our health systems cannot improve for all if they aren't accessible and inclusive to everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.    We must improve how data is collected for LGBTQ+ individuals if we want to address the disparities they face and create better access to high-quality care.   In part one of a three-part AJMC - The American Journal of Managed Care feature series, Mandi Pratt-Chapman shares how better data can address pressing health needs in the LGBTQ+ community, discusses how this data can inform providers to best support their patients, and highlights solutions that can create better health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals.    More here: https://lnkd.in/eDjBKm2U   #HealthEquity #DataEquity

🌟 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

"Isolation. Trauma. Returning To The closet. State’s Aging LGBTQ Population Faces Unique Challenges." California is conducting its first-ever survey of LGBTQ older adults to better understand their diverse needs across the state. The survey is meant to help state leaders and aging advocates better understand and quantify the diverse needs of LGBTQ seniors across the state, including the particular health care demands of long-term HIV survivors and the challenges some queer older adults face finding assisted living. Previous surveys in other states and communities, including a 2014 study in San Francisco, found that LGBTQ adults are confronted with unique challenges compared to their straight and cisgender peers as they age. Survey organizers hope the statewide study will help them identify trends in the LGBTQ community, but also issues that may be particular to certain groups — the needs of an older transgender woman in San Francisco may be very different from a gay Latino senior in the Central Valley, for example. “It is a unique aging experience for LGBTQIA older adults,” said Susan DeMarois, director of the California Department of Aging. “And the more we can tailor services to the unique needs of individuals, the more successful we’ll be.” https://lnkd.in/gaUWHzrV

Haven't heard of the Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium yet? Or wonder what they do? Or even, why is it important? Well check us out!! The Consortium is a amazing group of entities and individuals who believe we can make a positive difference in our communities by collaborating, addressing real issues in innovative ways, and by sharing the work with other like minded entities and individuals. The Consortium began in 2018 and remains a grass roots movement that became a 501(c)3 in April 2021. The Consortium was 100% volunteer run until July 2023 when an executive director was hired. We have two fabulous AmeriCorps members through Cherry Health who are focused on specific projects, and a few volunteers who help with projects and programs. Not to mention our fantastic board of directors, several who have been on the board since becoming a 501(c)3! We have: Health Education Series - virtual monthly talks from LGBTQ+ affirming providers sharing about a service they offer LGBTQ+ individuals, how their office works at being safe and affirming, and answers questions. This is recorded and housed on our YouTube channel for anyone to access. Med PATH Mentors is a mentoring program focused on high school youth who want to go into healthcare as a career. Our goal is to encourage youth from the LGBTQ+ community and/or People of Color to not only pick healthcare as a career but then to join the healthcare systems in Grand Rapids post training. We will be graduating three high school seniors this year, and have two sophomores who will also be completing the program with the option to join again next year. Program runs September - May. Provider/Payer workgroup just launched and is an attempt to break down silos between groups, bring key stakeholders to the conversation to make healthcare less cumbersome, more efficient and hopefully a better experience for all, especially for the patients. Plus other projects either happening or in planning phases! Please check us out and reach out if you'd like to get involved, join a program, collaborate on something, or discuss how the Consortium can help on your journey to being a safe and affirming place for ALL! https://lnkd.in/eqc6-UPf

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

🌍🌈 Reflecting on the Past: World AIDS Day 🌈🌍 As I sit here today, going through the historical medical records of veterans during their time in service, I am reminded of the profound impact that history has on our present. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to delve into the past, understanding the challenges and triumphs that have shaped our society. Today, I came across a particularly confronting chapter in our collective history - the AIDS pandemic of the early 1980s. As I reviewed pathology results during that time, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The records not only highlighted the medical aspects but also delved into deeply personal details, such as the patients' sexual history, drug use, and blood transfusions. This experience has reminded me of the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community during that era. It serves as a stark reminder of the discrimination and stigma they endured, as their personal lives were scrutinized and judged in the context of their medical conditions. It is a painful reminder of the battles fought and the progress we have made since then. Coincidentally, tomorrow marks World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, supporting those affected, and remembering those we have lost. It is a day to reflect on the progress we have made in combating this disease, but also to acknowledge the work that still lies ahead and our queer history. #WorldAIDSDay #InclusionMatters #LGBTQ+ #HealthcareAdvocacy

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