Legacy Champions 2018’s LGBT Health Awareness Week

by Russell Etherton, Community Relations

Legacy Community Health is always a proud supporter of LGBT Health Awareness Week, a time to shine a light on health disparities and inequities within the community. Discrimination toward the LGBTQ community still exists – despite all the progress made in recent years culturally and politically – and that impacts the health and well-being of any community.  In addition, we’re extra vigilant on matters of mental health, sexually transmitted infections, and substance use.

Almost 40 years ago our roots began as a clinic for gay men during the AIDS crisis.  Then, as now, one of our guiding principles is diversity and inclusion. We see anyone who walks through our doors, without judgment. As we’ve grown to become the largest community health system in Houston providing affordable, high-quality care, our LGBTQ services have also grown to include transgender care, public health education, full-service HIV/AIDs prevention and treatment, and legislative advocacy.

In 2017, for instance, Legacy’s public affairs team opposed the bathroom bill, which discriminated against transgender Texans. And Legacy’s public health team provides patient and community education on the unique health care issues that most impact the LGBTQ community.

If you’re a member of the LGBTQ community, we understand that receiving care without discrimination can be a challenge, but don’t let it prevent you from getting the care you need. Health care is a right, not a privilege.