It can feel scary to get older as an LGBTQ2S+ person, if you imagine aging at all. I’m surrounded by people who are surprised to still be alive because of all the ways death is a constant companion in their lives. And yet, here we are, aging together, hopeful and fearful about what the future might hold. I don’t know if I will be lucky enough to get old, but I do know I want to help dream and fight for something better for our community.
Read MoreIt can be confusing to know where to start, especially when, as LGBTQ2S+ people, we’re often trying to figure out how to fit our identities, relationships and family structures into systems, laws and policies which are not designed for us.
Read MoreThere’s something inherently creative about being queer—that’s why it’s a noun and a verb. We’re adept at the work of imagination, transformation and creation. We defy norms and stereotypes throughout our lives as we make and remake our identities, families and communities to reflect the visions we hold for ourselves and how we want to live. I brought this spirit into the experience of losing my mom.
Read MoreFollowing these steps won’t remove all of the barriers that stand between you and your ability to easily access LGBTQ2S+-affirming mental health care—we need radical system transformation for that—but they might help empower you in your search for a therapist who can support your healing and mental wellbeing. Every LGBTQ2S+ person deserves that kind of care, including you.
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In this blog post, I reflect on my experiences as a patient and an LGBTQ+ advocate to offer suggestions for three things health care providers can do to provide LGBTQ+ affirming health care:
Ask open-ended questions and use language that reflects how your patient or client describes themself and their family/relationship structure
Ask for consent before touching or examining your patient or client
Advocate for your patient or client with other health care providers and hospital or clinic staff
It’s an invitation to health care providers to reflect on what small actions they can take today in service of supporting LGBTQ+ people to feel healthy and thrive.
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