This publication provides an introduction to understanding and addressing sexual minority women’s (SMW) health. Although SMW have the same preventive health requirements as all women, they also have unique disparities and health care needs. The first half of this publication describes the physical and behavioral health issues that disproportionately affect sexual minority women (SMW) due to stigma and a shortage of culturally affirming care. The second part highlights evidence-informed practices that hold the most promise in supporting SMW who access health centers. A case example of a patient is presented to illustrate how a disparity can be addressed through the integration of primary care and behavioral health services, and by using a trauma-informed approach.
Learning Resources
Insurance Considerations for Navigating Gender-affirming Care
Cei Lambert, Program Manager for the National LGBT Health Education Center, discusses insurance barriers and navigation solutions for assisting gender diverse patients in accessing gender-affirming care.
- Filed under
- Transgender Health
Building Your Family: LGBTQ Reproductive Options
Dr. Rebekah Viloria, OBGYN at Fenway Health and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, presents the most up-to-date options and strategies for LGBTQ people to build a family. This webinar covers options for conception including alternative insemination, IVF, IUI, and more.
- Filed under
- Reproductive Health
Addressing HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections among LGBTQ People: A Primer for Health Centers
Some lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people face an increased risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The increased risk of HV and STIs in these populations stems from both social and biological factors.Health center clinicians can help address HIV and STIs among LGBTQ people by screening appropriately based on a comprehensive sexual history, providing culturally appropriate safer sex counseling, and offering biomedical prevention strategies, such as vaccinations and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HV (PrEP).
- Filed under
- HIV/STI Treatment and Prevention
Recruiting, Training, and Retaining LGBTQ-Proficient Clinical Providers: A Workforce Development Toolkit
As lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people increasingly access care at health centers, the clinical workforce needs to be prepared to meet the unique health needs of LGBTQ patients. Finding LGBTQ-proficient providers, however, can present a challenge, especially outside major metropolitan areas.
- Filed under
- Organizational Change
Pre-and-Post Exposure Prophylaxis
In this series of videos, Dr. Kevin Ard will discuss various aspects of PrEP and PEP.
This video course is not currently eligible for CME credit.
Navigating Gender Affirming Care
In this webinar, Ruben Hopwood, MDiv, PhD and Steph DeNormand present on aspects of navigating medical gender affirmation. Topics will include options for gender affirmation, criteria for accessing gender confirmation surgeries, and how to locate up to date information on insurance for their state and coverage area.
- Filed under
- Transgender Health
Considerations for Heart Health of LGBT Identified Patients
Lisa Neff, Community Impact Director at the American Heart Association and Dr. Alex Gonzalez, Medical Director at Fenway Community Health, will discuss cholesterol, diabetes, and other heart health considerations as they pertain to the LGBTQ community. The webinar will cover strategies for care including the AHA's Check. Change. Control, Cholesterol program and diabetes management strategies tailored to the needs of LGBTQ people.
- Filed under
- Diabetes and Heart Health
Promoting Health Equity for LGBTQ New Yorkers
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis discusses the difference between equality and equity in health systems, and the importance of health equity for the LGBTQ community. Dr. Daskalakis describes how sexual orientation and gender identity are social determinants of health for people who hold those identities, and provides a framework for thinking about how these determinants can be counteracted in the clinic setting.
- Filed under
- Organizational Change
Health Disparities for Gender-diverse Individuals
Julie Thompson, PA-C discusses health disparities faced by gender-diverse people, and how clinicians can address these disparities productively in clinic. Thompson focuses on gender affirmation, both medical and social, as the bedrock of supporting gender-diverse people.
- Filed under
- Introduction to LGBTQIA+ Health
