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
Poppers?
Tim Kitchen via Getty Images
New research has clinicians concerned: poppers, an inhalant used by some gay men during sex, may actually contain harmful solvents and propellants that can cause health problems including delirium, potential brain or nerve damage and, in some cases, sudden death. The paper calls on clinicians to recognize that inhalants are being used by gay men and to become familiar with the toxicology of these products.
2
3
We Are STRONG!
Zoonar/unknown via Getty Images
The American Journal of Community Psychology has a special issue this month on LGBT resilience across cultures -- what keeps us strong and moving forward while still facing stigma and discrimination, which has so much to do with our mental health. Although the full issue is yet to be released, two stand outs are: a commentary piece on how to analyze LGBT resilience and the relationship between social connections and and resilience among gay latino immigrants in the U.S.
Advertisement
4
Forecasting Trans Advocacy in 2015
hanker81 via Getty Images
This week the Editor of the Gotham Gazette discusses the state of transgender rights, and where the movement will go in 2015 in New York State. This includes ending conversion therapy and pushing to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) -- both of which would only improve the state of health for trans New Yorkers.
5
Trans Buddies To Improve Healthcare
Hemera Technologies via Getty Images
Transgender people historically avoid going to the doctor due to fear of stigmatization and discrimination. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is starting the “Trans Buddy Project,” with trained transgender peer advocates on-site to improve comfort and access to care of trans patients!
6
The Mental Health of Our Trans Youth
Gary John Norman via Getty Images
A new study shows trans youth have higher rates of negative mental health outcomes compared to their cisgender peers. With 2-3 times the rates of “depression, anxiety disorder, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt” this proves, yet again, that trans affirmative therapy for youth needs to be more accessible in community health settings.
Advertisement