Celebrating Diversity in Health: Recognizing LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Visibility

By Barrett White

As we step into National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week this week and approach Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, it’s crucial to highlight the unique health concerns and care necessities of the LGBTQ+ community. Legacy Community Health knows this is important dialogue for equitable healthcare access and fostering an inclusive environment for every community member who walks through our doors.

Understanding LGBTQ+ Health Concerns

The health disparities faced by the LGBTQ+ community stem from a complex web of social, economic, and legal factors. Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals often encounter stigma, discrimination, and lack of understanding from health care providers, leading to delayed or foregone care. According to the National LGBT Health Education Center, LGBTQ+ people are at a higher risk for certain mental and physical health conditions, including HIV/AIDS, certain cancers, and behavioral health outcomes.

These disparities are further magnified for LGBTQ+ people of color, who may face additional layers of discrimination in the health care setting. A lack of culturally-competent care providers only worsens these disparities.

The Imperative of Accessible Health Care

Access to health care for LGBTQ+ individuals is not just about availability, but also about creating spaces where they feel safe, respected, and understood. This is paramount to establishing a trusting relationship between provider and patient. Without that trust, a patient may not feel comfortable being open with their provider – which can lead to poorer health outcomes, including undiagnosed illnesses.

Legacy Community Health is dedicated to providing comprehensive care that addresses the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community, including primary care, sexual health services and STI testing, and behavioral health care. Our goal is that every patient feels seen and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Transgender Community and Health Care

Following National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week is Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31. This day is more than a day of recognition; it’s a celebration of courage, resilience, and the contributions of transgender individuals to society – and for Legacy, an opportunity to also shine a spotlight on transgender individuals’ impact on health care, too! Transgender trailblazers in health care have been instrumental in advancing medical research, policies, and practices that affirm gender identity and improve the health outcomes of transgender people. Pioneers you may have heard of like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera not only fought for LGBTQ+ rights but also helped kick start conversations for more inclusive health care practices in their fight for justice and liberation.

Transgender individuals often face significant barriers in the healthcare system, from discrimination and lack of safe-and-trusted provider information to insurance hurdles. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to educate health care providers and implement inclusive policies.

Legacy’s Commitment to LGBTQ+ Health

At Legacy Community Health, we are proud to be part of a legacy of care that champions the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. Our services are designed to meet the unique needs of our patients in a welcoming environment. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality health care that respects their identity and meets their individual needs.

As we observe National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week this week and Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, let’s renew our commitment to health equity and celebrate the diversity that enriches our community. Let us honor the contributions of transgender individuals to health care and society and continue to work towards a world where every person can access the care they need and live their fullest life.

 

If you would like to make an appointment with your Legacy provider, please visit us online or call us at (832) 546-5000. Together, we can create a healthier, more inclusive future for everyone.