Each week HuffPost Queer 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.
HHS Bans Discrimination in Health Care
Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a new rule stating that health care providers were not allowed to discriminate against LGBTQ people. While the rule explicitly names trans and gender-nonconforming people as protected, analysts note the prohibition against sex stereotyping discrimination functionally covers LGB people as well. It goes into effect July 18, 2016.
White House Directs Schools to Respect Students Gender Identity
The White House issued a letter to schools around the country, warning them that they must not discriminate against students based on gender identity. This included allowing students to use bathrooms and locker rooms of their preference and stopping anti-LGBTQ bullying.
LGBT-friendly Cancer Care Needs Work
A new study of cancer doctors at one institution uncovered knowledge gaps around our health. While 94% of providers said that they were comfortable treating LGBT patients, only 26% asked about LGBT identity, and less than 50% correctly answered LGBT health questions. 36% felt the need for mandatory LGBT cultural competency training.
Is Smoking a Socially Transmitted Disease for Us?
A new study looked at what factors might be associated with smoking for young queer men. Some are what you would expect: feelings of depression, using weed and drinking alcohol. What was fascinating was how the study showed higher affinity with the gay community was positively associated with current and former smoking. In other words, smoking could be a socially transmitted disease for us.
Sexual Risk and Networks of Black Men Who Save Sex with Men
A new study looked at the relationship between black gay and bi men’s sexual networks and sexual risk behaviors. The study found that greater sexual risk was associated with having more non-primary partners and having a larger social network size.
New Ads Destigmatize Periods for Trans Men
Thinx just became the first company ever to have an advertising campaign about menstruation products featuring transgender men. Their new ads include Sawyer DeVuyst, a transgender male model, sporting a black pair of their period panties.