#LGBTWellness News

Listen to our weekly podcast for a round-up of the biggest LGBTQ wellness stories of the week.LGBT Wellness Pocast logo


LGBT Folks Show Symptoms During Pandemic

LGBT Folks Show Symptoms During Pandemic Image

LGBT HealthLink, 2/8/2021

 

Now you can HEAR your Weekly Wellness Roundup, too! Subscribe to our weekly podcast here: https://bit.ly/LGBTWellnessPodcast or where ever you podcast.

LGBT Folks Show Physical, Mental Symptoms

A new study found that LGBT individuals were more likely to have experienced physical symptoms of COVID-19 during the pandemic than were their heterosexual, cisgender peers. They were also more likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety, including at levels that crossed the clinical concern threshold, highlighting the toll that the pandemic was taking on mental health.

PrEP Interest High, Use Low

Out reported on a new study finding that PrEP use among queer men in the U.S. remains stubbornly low, with only ten percent of study participants consistently taking the drug to prevent HIV infection. While 90% of gay and bisexual men said they were willing to try PrEP, and many did try it during the study’s period, far fewer men continued to use it moving forward.

Communities Supporting LGBT Older Adults

Oakland Press reported on the ongoing challenges facing LGBT older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. LGBT older adults often rely more on their communities and chosen families, and staying connected has been hard as this group is also at higher risk for COVID-19. The article highlights numerous community programs that can help bridge the gap.

Pandemic Complicates Limited Resources for Youth

On the other side of the age spectrum, WZDX reported on how the pandemic is impacting LGBT youth in Alabama and nationwide. The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of all youth, but LGBT youth are already more likely to face mental health challenges due to stigma and discrimination. Support at school – already an issue for many – has become even more complicated in the age of remote and “hybrid” learning.

To find a local LGBT center near you, and see what they are doing to support LGBT youth and older adults, visit CenterLink’s directory.

Some States Poised to Reduce Rights

The Daily Beast reported on moves happening in some states to ban transgender teens from being able to access hormone therapy and puberty blockers, or to participate in school sports. Thirteen states have seen such legislation filed this year, and more could follow. Advocates say these policies would increase stigma and worsen the mental health of trans teens.

North Carolina Sees Changes

Meanwhile, NBC News reported that North Carolina saw a recent rush of local LGBT nondiscrimination ordinances, as a statewide prohibition on local LGBT protections expired on December 1. Three cities have already passed protections this year that include prohibiting discrimination in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare settings, as well as at work.

Get involved in LGBT policy issues with ActionLink.


In Other News

Anti-trans Discourse Harming Youth – #LGBTWellness Roundup image

Anti-trans Discourse Harming Youth – #LGBTWellness Roundup

Anti-trans Discourse Harming Youth The Trevor Project published new research on the negative...
Read On

Anti-trans Discourse Harming Youth The Trevor...
Read On

Discrimination Common, Impacting Health Access image

Discrimination Common, Impacting Health Access

Discrimination Common and Impacting Health Access Center for American Progress released a...
Read On

Discrimination Common and Impacting Health Access...
Read On

Interview on Trans Folks’ Minority Stress and More image

Interview on Trans Folks’ Minority Stress and More

Unpacking Minority Stress on Our Podcast On this week’s podcast version of the Roundup, we...
Read On

Unpacking Minority Stress on Our Podcast On this...
Read On