Blog 3/21/21

LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week 2021

Self-Awareness is Health Awareness 

LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week 2021 begins as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout gains momentum, and we start to venture out into a new normal. This week, we would like to add a few items to your “Life after Lockdown” checklists. Each day, we will look at a different health concern and provide links to healthcare resources that support the self-awareness and health awareness of the LGBTQ+ community.

Monday will focus on HIV self-awareness. When was your last HIV test? Been thinking about PrEP? If you are living with HIV, are you on HIV medications? Yes? Great! Is it time to check-in with your primary care provider or schedule labs?

From safer binding, to implants, removals, and affirming mammography and chest exams, Tuesday is all about Chest/Breast Health self-awareness. Regardless of who we are or how we feel about our breast/chest tissue, the care we receive should affirm our bodies, genders, and identities.

The LGBTQ+ community continues to be at greater risk and disproportionately affected by COVID-19. On Wednesday, we will look at the importance of COVID testing, masking, and social distancing before and after we get those shots in the arm.

In a year defined by isolation and anxiety, the demand for mental health and recovery services has grown exponentially. Thursday, we take some time to make sure our mental health, and not just our physical health, gets the attention it needs.

And on Friday, we’ll highlight gender-affirming care. Being and becoming who you want to be is the most fundamental aspect of self-awareness and health awareness. Everyone, no matter where they are on their journey, deserves healthcare that is safe, affirming, and patient-centered.

The LGBTQ+ community’s better health starts with each of us.

COVID-19 shined new light on the health disparities, experienced by communities historically and systematically overlooked by traditional healthcare systems. This includes LGBTQ+ adults, who are at greater risk and disproportionately affected by COVID-19 when compared to straight cisgender adults. Being self-aware of our healthcare needs and the resources available to meet them is critical to living our best and healthiest lives.

If you don’t already, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a week of self-discovery and health-discovery.