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
Looking At Rural Queer Smokers
Doug Menuez
A new study found that LGBT people in Missouri were 35% more likely to be smokers than others. They also found that the rate of rural queer folk who smoked was 46%, a full 6% more than urban queers. More and more we’re finding that high smoking rates touch all parts of the LGBT communities.
2
Queer Men Less Likely to Know About Tobacco Quitlines
A new study found that queer men were nearly 20% less likely than straight men to know that anyone can call 1-800-QUITNOW to get free smoking cessation help. The authors called for campaigns to increase awareness of the quitlines, tailor cessation services and de-normalize tobacco use in LGBT spaces.
3
Mental Health By Sexual Orientation
Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov
Researchers recently found that LGB (no T) and questioning college students were more likely than their straight peers to have a mental health diagnosis and/or frequent mental health distress. Our takeaway: generalized campus mental health services aren’t cutting it and efforts need to be more targeted. It’s no wonder the American Psychological Association called campus mental health a “crisis.”
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4
Nearly Half Of Bisexuals Faced Biphobia In Accessing Healthcare
Tetra Images
A new study from the UK shows that nearly half of bisexuals experienced biphobia while accessing healthcare. One respondent reported her psychotherapist told her it was her fault she was raped, because she was bisexual. These findings corroborate similar research in the US.
5
Scientists Use #Hashtags to Track Trans Health
shutterstock
Scientists have recently taken to Twitter to learn about trans health needs and, boy, did Twitter deliver. After looking at over a thousand tweets they found the four main health topics were violence, discrimination, suicide and sexual risk. This seems like a great way to get real health information in real time. Now, if only we could get all health information that easily!
6
Homebrewing LGBT Sex Ed
Shutterstock / CandyBox Images
For once we have a feel good story! The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada is offering comprehensive, LGBT-friendly sex ed to teens whose schools only teach abstinence. Community engagement that also gives teens a better shot at good health? Sign us up! This is hands down the best idea we’ve heard all week.
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