This week is National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week, which recognizes the unique and intersectional healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ people, as well as the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.
Unfortunately, this year we have seen an unprecedented number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills and policies implemented across the country, including Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill and Texas’ attempted criminalization of comprehensive healthcare for trans and nonbinary youth.
We at Philadelphia FIGHT are committed, now more than ever, to supporting LGBTQ+ people by providing comprehensive and affirming care to all in need. Whether you are a young person looking for a welcoming space to talk about your gender and sexuality, an older adult interested in ways to practice safer sex, or simply looking to start your health and wellness journey, we are here to provide you the care you need to live a full and happy life.
Commitment to LGBTQ+ Patients
In 2021, nearly one-third of all Philadelphia FIGHT’s patients identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or another sexual or gender minority. Specifically, 7% of Philadelphia FIGHT’s patients identified as transgender, nonbinary, or genderqueer. According to a 2022 Gallop poll, 7.1% of adults in the United States identify as LGBTQ+ and just under 1% of adults identify as transgender.
Services Provided
LGBTQ+ people have access to all the same comprehensive health services at FIGHT as our non-LGBTQ+ patients. Our services are available to those without insurance or the financial means to pay, and many of our services can be delivered in Spanish. Below is just a shortlist of some of the care LGBTQ+ people find at FIGHT:
- Physicals, sick, and well visits
- Gender affirming healthcare and hormone therapy
- PEP and PrEP for HIV prevention
- Comprehensive HIV care
- STI testing and treatment
- Family planning and reproductive health services
- Mental healthcare and case management
- Wellness-focused dental services
- Benefits enrollment
- Referrals to community partners focused on housing, legal, and education justice
Further Reading
Part of our commitment to serving LGBTQ+ people is a commitment to lifelong learning and involvement with LGBTQ+ movements toward health and social justice. Below are a few recent articles that dive deeper into the healthcare experiences and needs of some LGBTQ+ people. We encourage you to find time this week to learn about a topic new to you!
- Consider PrEP, hormonal therapy to address health disparities in LGBTQ patients
- Pediatricians play ‘critical’ role in care of transgender youths
- Q&A: EHR changes could improve care of LGBTQIA+ patients
- Anal HPV prevalence high among young MSM regardless of HIV status
