Zuckerman Spaeder LLP’s Post

#FoodForThoughtFriday: Lesbian, bisexual women and people assigned female at birth may be at increased risk for breast, cervical and ovarian cancer compared to heterosexual, cis-gendered women.    According to an existing body of research, lesbians, bisexual and transgender/nonbinary (TGNB) individuals are less likely to access preventive care than the general population due to multiple systemic factors including lower rates of insurance coverage, medical provider discrimination, and lack of provider knowledge of LGBTQ specific health care needs.    That’s why organizations like Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, a 2022 Prevent Cancer Foundation community grantee, are working to remove barriers and address gaps in care to improve access to culturally affirmative cervical cancer screening services. With their funding, Callen-Lorde implemented tailored provider and patient interventions designed to improve cancer screening uptake and adherence rates among lesbian, bisexual, transgender or gender non-binary (TGNB) individuals with a cervix living in New York City.     Referring to their awarded 2022 community grant project, Callen-Lorde shared, “We’ve thoroughly trained our providers on how to provide competent cervical cancer screenings and follow-up, we’ve created new workflows that ensure patients are notified of results in a timely manner and follow-up appointments are easier to schedule, and we’ve created surveillance reports that allow us to accurately track incidence in our patient population. Now that we’ve undertaken these improvements, we have the expertise to share with other organizations looking to provide sensitive, competent care to LGBTQ+ populations for cervical cancer screenings.”   We’re proud to support Callen-Lorde and their work providing needed services to the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3jqhxkb     #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #CancerPrevention #EarlyDetection #CommunityOutreach 

Identifying Breast Cancer Symptoms: A Guide for the LGBTQ+ Community https://lnkd.in/e7HWCn5M The LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges when it comes to breast cancer awareness and early detection. It’s crucial for individuals in this community to stay vigilant and familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, as early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Common Breast Cancer Symptoms to Watch For A lump, hard knot, or thickening in the breast or chest area Swelling, warmth, or redness in the breast or chest Changes in the size or shape of the breast or chest Dimpling or puckering of the skin An itchy, scaly rash on the breast or chest Nipple discharge or changes in the nipple’s appearance New pain in the breast, chest, or nipple area #breastcancerawareness #breastcancerprevention #feelitonthefirst #breastexams #pridemonth #gay #transgender #transgenderpride

February has been designated as LGBT+ History Month in the UK, despite the celebration taking place in October in the US. The month was chosen to coincide with the abolition of Section 28, a law that said local authorities must not “intentionally promote homosexuality”. LGBT+ History Month is a month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer history. It helps to raise awareness about the issues faced by LGBTQ+ people. This year marks the 19th anniversary of LGBT History Month.   Why is LGBT History Month important?  In the workplace, a recent survey found that 25% of the LGBTQ+ community have experienced discrimination based on their orientation, and 31% reported feeling unhappy or depressed. These statistics alone highlight the importance of informative awareness events like LGBT History Month.  LGBT+ History Month also provides a real opportunity to educate those not part of the LGBT+ community and encourage acceptance and equality. It’s crucial individuals learn about our past to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself. Tackling ignorance today ensures a better tomorrow for LGBT+ people.   What is this years theme?  The theme for LGBT History Month 2024 is Medicine #UnderTheScope. LGBT History Month 2024 this year is an opportunity to celebrate the lives and work of LGBT healthcare professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine. LGBT+ people are our doctors, nurses, care assistants and scientists. It is also a time to examine the health inequalities that LGBT people have experienced historically and still face today. Ending the Stigma and Tackling HIV over the last 40 years. As always, we should use LGBT history month in celebrating and remembering the remarkable and continuous achievements lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people have made in tackling HIV over the last 40 years. The HIV and AIDS epidemic are a significant and important part of LGBT+ history. Since the 1980s, the LGBT+ community has fought long and hard to ensure that those living with HIV can access treatment and live dignified lives. LGBT+ History Month is an opportunity to learn more about LGBT+ people living with HIV, as well as the work being done to end HIV and HIV stigma.  At Proud@Shell UK we are preparing a number of events/activities to raise awareness of the importance of LGBT History Month.

The landscape of anti-transgender and non-binary legislation in the United States has been expanding, with a significant number of states proposing or enacting laws that restrict the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals. These laws cover a wide range of areas, including bathroom access, healthcare, sports participation, and more. For instance, Missouri has proposed legislation that would create a "hostile work environment" by prohibiting employees from sharing restrooms with members of the opposite sex, essentially targeting transgender individuals. Similarly, Florida has introduced a bill that would ban the use of preferred personal titles or pronouns in the workplace if they do not correspond to the person's . American Civil Liberties Union of the Nation's Capital (ACLU-DC) reports that state legislatures have been advancing a record number of bills that attack LGBTQ rights, particularly targeting transgender youth. These attacks include bills that limit the ability to update gender information on IDs, impose healthcare restrictions, and prohibit transgender individuals from using facilities that match their gender identity. The 19th News has highlighted that at least 10 states are pushing legislation that would exclude transgender and nonbinary people from accessing public services and deny them equal legal protection, affecting areas such as driver's license updates, holding public office, and using public restrooms. Human Rights Campaign also provides an overview of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, noting that these laws have included bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and the criminalization of drag performances in states like Texas. In the face of these challenges, President Joe Biden has expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community, and his administration has taken steps to advance equality and remove barriers to access government services for transgender, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ individuals . However, the effectiveness of these measures in counteracting state-level restrictions remains to be fully seen. For the transgender community and its allies, moving forward in the face of such oppression involves continued advocacy, legal challenges to discriminatory laws, and efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of transgender rights. Organizations such as Lambda Legal, the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD and the Transgender Law Center are at the forefront of these efforts, providing resources, legal support, and advocacy to protect and advance transgender rights. Engaging in political processes, supporting trans-led initiatives, and fostering alliances across movements are crucial steps in building a more inclusive and understanding society. Arianna Lint www.AriannaLint.com

Memories of March 2020 are now popping-up on my social media; just as we slipped into two years of unimaginable trauma. As lockdowns rolled-out, we began to talk about their impact on different groups. Reflecting on my own experiences as a gay man, in 2021, and the differential impact on LGBT+ people. Roll-on 2022 and Helen Dickinson, Sophie Yates, Janine O'Flynn and Catherine Smith put out a call for chapters for the Research Handbook on Public Management and COVID-19. Helen replied to me reaching out to the team to say "they love the gays and would love me to do a chapter". So, I was really pleased to work with Dan Edmiston at University of Leeds to write the chapter "Stay home": queer(y)-ing the heteronormative assumptions of COVID policy responses". I really like the chapter too (I would say that!). Highlights include: - we show that gay men were much more likely to claim social security benefits in the UK in April 2020 due to being made redundant (likely because they worked in retail and leisure) - a discussion of the way that COVID public health messaging, by focusing on the use of fear, failed to learn lessons from public health communication on HIV/AIDS - the suggestion that the lack of diversity in decision-making meant that LGBT+ people experiences of lockdowns really was not considered at all, particularly in terms of mental health, loneliness and social isolation - and that the policing of social contact via the COVID restrictions gave heterosexuals a taste of the policing of sexual lives that have been the norm for LGBT+ people for centuries due to legal discrimination. There's details of the chapter here, and I can share a pre-print of it free, if you want to read it. https://lnkd.in/eTeFfKJd

Imagine this: An LGBTQ+ person, particularly someone Black and transgender, facing relentless discrimination and violence in prison. With scant support, their prospects are grim. Black & Pink National is their beacon of hope. Since 2005, we've championed their freedom and justice, offering essential support such as Safe Housing, Vital Resources, and Advocacy to ensure a brighter future for our members. The current political climate and Federal funding uncertainties jeopardize our mission. That’s why Give Out Day (May 30th) is more important than ever. Your donation, no matter the size, can make a monumental impact. Our goal is $50,000 to continue empowering LGBTQ+ individuals caught in the system. **Here's how you can help:** Donate: (https://lnkd.in/ehWEvuqp) Spread Awareness: Share our story and page on social media. Together, we can create a future where LGBTQ+ people have the freedom and support they deserve.

Today marks the start of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute we know that the LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges when accessing comprehensive healthcare, and we work to provide care that addresses each person's cancer treatment in the context of their lives. Due to systemic discrimination, LGBTQ+ patients are at a higher risk for certain types of cancers. As one of the world's foremost cancer centers – and as a leader in providing equitable care and strong advocacy for LGBTQ+ patients – Dana-Farber is proud to serve patients of all genders and sexual orientations. We know that, like all of us, LGBTQ+ patients deserve the most innovative treatment available, as well as the special support their families and loved ones may need: o Our staff offers support groups for LGBTQ+ people who have been diagnosed with cancer. o Our clinical researchers offer unique clinical trials in the cancers to which LGBTQ+ patients are most at risk. o Our viral immunology researchers lead the field in HIV- and AIDS-related research breakthroughs. To learn more about Dana-Farber's commitment to LGBTQ+ patients and the programs we offer, visit: https://lnkd.in/ebavQbn4 #PrideMonth

This #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, it's important to not leave LGBTQ+ people out of the conversation. LGBTQ+ individuals face unique structural barriers to life-saving cancer care, including: ⚕️ Lack of research and affirming practices for LGBTQ+ breast/chest cancer 💼 Insurance coverage denials or lack of insurance altogether 💬 Gendered language around breast/chest cancer 🩺 Medical mistrust and fear of discrimination from providers ...and more. What can you do to support LGBTQ+ patients in cancer care? ✅ Create a safe space by using correct names, pronouns, and identities ✅ Personalize risk assessments based on anatomy, surgical history, and identity-specific risks ✅ Educate patients about their unique risks and benefits of proactive screening ✅ Collaborate on a screening plan that addresses each patient's barriers and needs 🔎 Want to learn more about supporting LGBTQ+ cancer care? We've developed LGBTQ+ cancer screening courses with Violet, a platform offering culturally competent healthcare training. Dive into the details of LGBTQ+ cervical and chest cancer screenings: https://lnkd.in/e9jvyxzf

Exciting news for LGBTQ+ aging advocacy! California launches its first-ever survey to better understand the needs of LGBTQ seniors across the state. As Openhouse Executive Director, Kathleen M. Sullivan, Ph.D., rightly pointed out, "We don’t have a good idea of what the aging experience is for the LGBTQ+ community." This initiative aims to shed light on the unique challenges faced by this community, from healthcare demands to finding inclusive assisted living options. The survey, part of California's Master Plan for Aging, reflects a crucial step toward ensuring equitable and tailored support for LGBTQ+ elders. By gathering data and insights directly from the community, we can work towards closing gaps in services and promoting inclusivity in aging care. Read more about this groundbreaking effort in the San Francisco Chronicle: https://lnkd.in/gwUBR6jE Let's continue to champion initiatives that prioritize the well-being of LGBTQ+ seniors and create a more supportive and inclusive aging landscape for all.  #LGBTQ #AgingAdvocacy #InclusiveAging #CaliforniaAgingSurvey

Our recent short report in Sexual Health (with my lovely co-authors Drs. Mance Buttram and Matthew S. Ellis, PhD, MPE) found that individuals living in states with lower LGBTQ equality in the US were significantly less likely to be aware of #doxyPEP – an important evidence-based biomedical strategy that is effective at preventing bacterial STIs, particularly syphilis and chlamydia, among gay and bisexual men and trans women. (Full article: https://lnkd.in/g5GZuW8Z) Inequities find a way creeping in when there are exciting new advances afoot. An understanding of how social determinants of health structure the implementation of interventions is crucial. This has been clearly seen with HIV PrEP. We need more research focused on how social determinants of health impact the uptake of novel biomedical advances, with a distinct focus on equity and communities who are disproportionately impacted. Let's work to ensure that everyone who can benefit from #doxyPEP knows that it exists, how it works and has access to it. Incidentally, I'm also saddened that my final factsheet for aidsmap is on the topic of #doxyPEP (https://lnkd.in/gfWPt58y).