Each week HuffPost Gay Voices, in a partnership with blogger Scout, LGBT HealthLink and researcher Michael G. Bare, brings you a round up of some of the biggest LGBT wellness stories from the past seven days. For more LGBT Wellness visit our page dedicated to the topic here.
1
Remembering Leelah
Bob Elam via Getty Images
The recent suicide of trans teen Leelah Alcorn has spurred awareness about needs of trans teenagers. In response, Caitlin Ryan published an oped in Washington Post offering resources specifically for religious parents. Fenway Health also published a new study where they found trans youth were at notably greater risk of health problems than their peers. And there was a new review of LGBT suicide risk this week, including suggested assessment questions.
2
Coming Out to Your Cancer Provider
A new review of National LGBT Cancer Network research found that disclosing LGBT identity to cancer care providers was consistently related to better health outcomes. Authors call for safe environments for LGBT people to disclose their identity all along the cancer continuum. Also be sure to catch National LGBT Cancer Network’s new FUNdraising campaign "Behind Closed Drawers," drawing attention to the fact that gay and bi men’s risk for anal cancer is up to 34x higher than others.
3
Everyone Is Doing It
Jovanmandic via Getty Images
We’ve been covering how a variety of health professions are improving training on LGBT health needs -- now there is a new study on how osteopaths can serve us better. In that vein, kudos to New Mexico Sen. Jacob R. Candelaria for asking the state to convene an LGBT health disparities task force.
Advertisement
4
Better HIV Messaging
NYC is changing their HIV messaging from fear-based to a more nuanced, health-based approach with the introduction of their new #BeHIVSure campaign. Officials are hoping this will engage more HIV negative people in combatting the disease.
5
Trans Health Records
tetmc via Getty Images
A new guide shows to how to include transgender information in health records. The authors explain how including these data will improve health outcomes and provider-patient interactions.
6
Over The Holidays: Celibate Gay And Bi Men Run To Blood Banks
anton petukhov via Getty Images
FDA announced they were lifting their lifetime ban on gay or bisexual men donating blood, replacing it with a new ban allowing only gay or bisexual men who haven’t had sex in the last year to donate. We’ll give them a kudo for this, but only if they haven’t had sex in the last year.
Advertisement