SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — Hundreds of organizations across the country are recognizing National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week. It takes place from March 18-22, 2024.
The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health created the campaign 22 years ago. This year's theme is "VITAL VIBRANT VOICES." It emphasizes the VITAL role of VIBRANT and diverse VOICES in raising awareness about the health challenges facing the LGBTQ community.
The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health is on a mission to improve the health and well-being of people in LGBTQ communities through federal and local advocacy, education and research. The Coalition was founded in 2000. It represents LGBTQ people, health care and service providers, researchers and advocates.
In recognition of LGBTQ Health Awareness Week, the Coalition is partnering with more than 600 organizations to help uplift the voices of LGBTQ people, healthcare professionals and advocates. The Coalition says it's about fostering informed dialogue and driving meaningful engagement in LGBTQ health care.
"Health care is a human right, just like LGBTQ+ rights are human rights," said Ben Hughes, health policy and advocacy analyst with the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health. "During our awareness week, we hope that more people will raise their voice to address improving health care for the LGBTQ+ community. Legislation has recently been introduced in 22 states that cause for complete bans on gender-affirming care. This is a major area of concern. The best way to support LGBTQ communities is to notice and call out discrimination and inequity when you see it."
LGBTQ people are more likely to experience certain health-related challenges and disparities because of stigma, discrimination and other factors.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gay, bisexual and other men who reported male-to-male sexual contact are disproportionately affected by HIV. Social and structural issues, like racism, HIV stigma, homophobia, discrimination, poverty and limited access to high-quality health care, continue to drive these disparities.
HIV can affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender or age. But certain groups are at higher risk for HIV. The CDC explains Black and African American people account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses and people with HIV. Hispanic and Latino people are disproportionately affected by HIV, too, compared to other races and ethnicities.
Johnathan Cameron is a Medical Case Manager at Sunburst Projects in Sacramento. He, specifically, serves the needs of low-income people and families impacted by HIV/AIDS through compassionate care and services. For him, the mission is personal.
"To be honest, part of my story is, I'm HIV positive," Cameron said. "There are so many people in the community that do not know that they are HIV positive and just getting the word out and telling people, go get tested, it's free."
Sunburst Projects offers several programs and services, like medical case management, mental health services, social support services, childcare assistance, HIV/AIDS education and prevention, support groups and more. One of the main goals is to reduce the spread of HIV.
"There is no barrier to who can be affected by it," Cameron said. "Illnesses do not have a demographic. There are challenges in every community. It has nothing to do with gender-specific or ethnicity. What's hard in the LGBTQIA community is that the healthcare industry does not always understand the patient."
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The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health recently released its State of LGBTQ Health Second Annual National Survey. It underscores the critical need for ongoing training and support to empower LGBTQ providers in their battle against stigma and the pursuit of health equity.
A total of 1,023 healthcare providers participated in the survey, responding to questions on training needs, HIV/STI prevention, workforce burnout, gender-affirming care, LGBTQ health policy and more. Some of the key findings include:
- Cultural competency confidence: Over 80% of respondents exhibit confidence in using culturally appropriate terminology when communicating with LGBTQ patients to foster a more welcoming environment.
- Elevating LGBTQ-centered care: Requires strategic steps such as recruiting sensitive staff, providing comprehensive training and collaborating with experienced providers.
- Advocacy priorities: Centered on vital issues including LGBTQ equality, strong gender-affirming care protections and ensuring affordable housing for LGBTQ individuals.
- Lack of awareness of anti-LGBTQ bills persists: More than half of respondents acknowledge the impact on their patients, yet less than half are fully aware of the specific legal challenges.
- Training needs for LGBTQ providers: Encompass battling stigma, creating inclusive spaces and addressing health disparities.
- Barriers to LGBTQ health care: Include pervasive stigma, distrust in the healthcare system, mental health challenges, cost constraints and insurance issues.
"Culturally competent medical care and prevention services are absolutely critical to the health and well-being of LGBTQ people," Hughes said. "Providers and all those in the heath care system should strive for a culturally competent approach to serving their LGBTQ+ patients that accounts for their race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity and any other factors that may otherwise impact how they receive their care."
LGBTQ youth are facing health disparities, too. According to the CDC, LGBTQ youth are at greater risk for poor mental health, violence and HIV than their peers. Additionally, LGBTQ youth are more likely to be bullied, resulting in higher risks of suicide. Health officials say creating a safe and supportive school environment where LGBTQ+ youth feel connected to people who care is a proven way to promote their health and well-being.
The Sacramento LGBT Community Center works to create a region where LGBTQ people thrive. The Center provides several health and wellness programs. That includes free culturally affirming mental health services and community resources. There are also community support groups, including Coming Out Support Groups, Golden Grounds LGBTQ Elders Group, In the Know: Queer People of Color Group, Transgender Support Group, Twenty-Somethings Group and Pansexual Pancake Breakfast.
"Health and wellness is really important to our community," said Alexis Sanchez, deputy chief program officer with the Sacramento LGBT Community Center. "We have therapy and support groups for folks that are LGBTQ+ or different intersections in the community. They can come to us and get connected with a therapist or get connected with a group of peers who are going through similar things and who are going to provide support."
The Center also offers free and confidential HIV/STI testing on-site and throughout the region with a Mobile Testing Unit. If a person test positive, the Center will connect the individual to LGBTQ+ affirming medical providers, regardless of insurance or income status. People can schedule an appointment at the LGBT Community Center in Midtown or Marsha P. Johnson Center South location.
"We should be listening to community members and amplifying the voices of those most marginalized to know where we need to start making some changes to help improve health for LGBTQ+ folks," Sanchez said.
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