If you're a frequent reader here on everybodysgood, you are probably already well aware that the month of March is NY LGBT Health Month and there are a ton of activities taking place here in the Rochester region. (Click HERE to learn more about what we've done and are doing this month!).
In addition, however, today (March 28th) is also the first day of NATIONAL LGBT Health Awareness Week, organized by the National Coalition for LGBT Health. Here in New York State, we have chosen the month of March to be Health Month for the past two years intentionally because it leads into the coalition's National Health Week...and this year we are thrilled to join the National Coalition in its recognition of this year's theme: "Come Out For Health."
This year's theme is particularly important for our community since being out to our providers is the first step in insuring we get the kind of healthcare we deserve. Multiple studies have demonstrated that queer people under-utilize healthcare, are under-insured (some studies saying we are only HALF as likely to have insurance as the general population), and when we DO access healthcare, stigma and discrimination by healthcare providers is still altogether too common. In fact, our fears and hesitation about getting good healthcare lead many queer patients to never even come out----the GLMA (Gay & Lesbian Medical Association) has often quoted statistics that about 1/3 of LGBT patients are not out to their providers.
To learn more about National LGBT Health Awareness Week, visit the following link HERE.
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