Each week HuffPost Gay Voices, in a partnership with blogger Scout, LGBT HealthLink and researcher Susana Fajardo, 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
Promoting LGBT Rights Globally
Jonathan Kitchen via Getty Images
The State Department made a historic announcement that they will appoint a new special envoy to promote and defend LGBT rights around the globe! This position will fill a huge void and will spread tolerance and acceptance around the globe. Who wouldn’t get on board with that?
2
Coming Out Early Pays Off
rui xin via Getty Images
A new study found that coming out as a teenager leads to lower rates of depression later in life. Lead author Stephen Russel said, “Even though coming out comes with risks, being out is going to come with benefits in the long run.” Another study found that having LGBT friends and discussing sexual orientation made straight teens more likely to become allies.
3
Gay Black Men and HIV in the Spotlight
AIDSVU
The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus held a hearing this week to highlight the high number of HIV infections among gay black men in Georgia, where a study shows a sexually active black gay man has a 60% chance of contracting HIV by the time he’s 30. This comes on the heels of a new study showing that barriers to healthcare access and discrimination were interfering with HIV testing.
Advertisement
4
Doctors Putting Lesbians at Risk for Cervical Cancer
Martin Barraud via Getty Images
New research found that doctors may be putting lesbian patients at higher risk for cervical cancer. Researchers found that doctors don’t recommend their lesbian patients get screened enough for HPV because of assumptions about their sexual histories. Yikes! Takeaways: talk to your healthcare provider and get screened!
5
LGBT-Only School Coming to Atlanta
Victoria Pearson via Getty Images
Activists and organizers are working to start a new, LGBT private school for teens in Atlanta. The Pride School aims to create a safe learning environment where students can focus on learning rather than dodging harassment, a problem that over 75% of LGBT teens experience. We like this because it will help them stay healthier throughout their lives.