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
New Study: Gender Identity May Be Biological
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A new study found evidence supporting the stance that gender identity is biological, not chosen. The authors did a systematic analysis of current research and found that across studies there was evidence for a biological basis for transgender identity. This is tremendous news for the trans community and echoes what trans activists have been saying all along.
2
New Reason Why We Smoke More – The Nabe
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Our dear friend Joseph Lee has come out with another research study about LGB smoking. The results show the density of tobacco retailers is higher in neighborhoods with more same-sex couples. This makes it harder to avoid cigs, especially if we’re trying to quit.
3
Supporting Rural Communities Through LGBT Community Centers
Courtesy of Scout
As part of CenterLink, we love our LGBT community centers and love research on them. Megan Paceley has come out with a new study exploring why people engage with LGBT community centers outside of big cities. Participants reported particularly needing affirmation, safe spaces and health referrals. Importantly, they also wanted to support a center that could give back to the next generation. Love it.
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4
Bisexual Health Awareness Month Drills Down on Mental Health
March is #BHAM or Bisexual Health Awareness Month. This year’s theme: mental health. Lucky for us, Bisexual Resource Center has put together a handy introduction and guide to this year’s campaign. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for weekly updates.
5
Have Questions About Gender Identity?
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Do you have questions about gender identity? Twitter to the rescue! ABC News will be hosting a Twitter chat with Dr. Richard Besser about gender identity next Tuesday, March 10 at 1:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to talk directly to an expert, so feel free to join in and please spread the news to all those questioning youth.
6
CA Bill Promotes Trans Health Benefits
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A proposed bill in California will require all companies with state contracts to provide equal health benefits to transgender and non-transgender employees. This levels the playing field since in-state companies must already provide them. Hey, big companies all across the US, smell the change here?
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7
Psychology Today Defends Then Rejects Conversion Therapy Ads
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After being contacted by HRC, the Psychology Today staff at first refused to take down conversion therapy listings from their popular online Therapy Directory. We’d like to remind you of our earlier story about the UN flagging conversion therapy as a human rights violation and even potential torture. Luckily, they woke up and have since taken them down. Score one for mental health.