LGBTQ+ HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Dear Pride Palace Community,

This week we focus on our health and well-being. The National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week, this year being March 22-26, 2021, is honored every year in the United States to bring attention to the cycle of discrimination and health disparities affecting all LGBTQ+ people. Together, we can fight all of this negativity and be PROUD of who we are. 

Unfortunately, as we know, LGBTQ+ people face discrimination in employment, relationship recognition, and insurance coverage very often. For LGBTQ+ people of color, the discrimination and health disparities are even greater. In addition, these people and their families can also experience high rates of violence, stress from coping with discrimination, and an immense lack of LGBTQ+ knowledge and competency in the healthcare system. We need to put an end to this.

We asked the Pride Palace family on Instagram what changes they wanted to see in the healthcare system. Below are some of the responses: 

• Better access to health care for those who need it but can’t afford it
• ALL doctors having a basic understanding and compassion for transgender and non-binary people
• The ability to write down your gender and pronouns 
• LGBTQ+ included in sex-ed 
• Psychologists, therapists, etc. learning about queer issues and how to help their patients
• Lower prices in things like binders, surgeries, and extensions
• Parents not being allowed to pressure the medical professionals into decisions about their children

If you are curious as to how you can help combat the mental health stigma in the LGBTQ+ community, we have a few tips:

1. Join the fight for equality.

There are many ways to do this. You can vocalize your pride or allyship through social media platforms. You can also sign petitions, vote, call local politicians, and more. 

2. Be supportive.

Let others know that they have a shoulder to cry on. It can be very difficult to be alone, and you being there for someone can make a huge difference. Even if you can’t relate to or understand someone’s struggles, still be supportive. It can go a long way. 

3. Be vocal about your own story.

If you feel comfortable sharing your story with others, don’t hesitate to do so! Your story can inspire numerous people to feel safe and happy with who they are. Sharing our own experiences is a great way to combat the rejection and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community. 

With these tips, we hope that you can help your loved ones and show support during not only National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week, but every week of the year! Throughout the week, we will be providing resources and great content related to LGBTQ+ health on our TikTok and Instagram. Moreover, if you would like to join our private Facebook Community where you can ask any question related to health, join here! Have a happy, healthy week everyone. 

Written by Paloma Pinto