Posted: April 29th, 2018

LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy

LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy
1. Introduction
In order to begin the discussion of health advocacy, it is important to define what health advocacy is. The main goal of advocacy is to provide support and to ensure that the person who is being advocated for is in receipt of all that they are entitled to, be that inclusivity, fairness or equality. Advocacy can be described as a way to help people have a stronger voice and to have as much control as possible over their own lives. This can be achieved in any aspects of an individual’s life, from taking control of an individual’s own finances, to being involved in the person’s own care and treatment. However, when health advocacy is being considered, the ultimate goal is to ensure that as far as possible the individual’s wishes are understood and communicated to health care providers. This can mean that at times, a health advocate might need to step in – particularly in situations where family members have become involved or where a person’s ability to communicate has become impaired. Whilst as social care practitioners it is important to ensure that the wishes of the individual are of paramount importance, health advocates work towards the goal of ensuring that good health related decisions are made and communicated correctly through their methods of advocacy.
1.1. Definition of LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and others. At first, the word “queer” was a negative term for the community but now the LGBTQ+ folks use it to express their identity. The “+” was added to “LGBTQ+” to represent any other sexual identities and genders that are not included by the terminology of LGBT. LGBTQ+ is defined as a community of people who have in common different sexual orientations and/or gender identities. It is important to notice that sexuality and gender are different aspects. Sexual orientation refers to the sex of those to whom one is sexually and romantically attracted while gender identity refers to having a psychological sense of being male, female or a different gender. LGBTQ+ includes many diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. This refers to an umbrella that represents a large spectrum. Different gender and sexual minorities have their own unique culture. LGBTQ+ folks have been historically and are still stigmatized and marginalized. This is one of the reasons why LGBTQ+ health advocacy is so important.
1.2. Importance of LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy
Health advocacy for LGBTQ+ people is so important and necessary. It should be emphasized that health advocacy is not just for the betterment of healthcare services for marginalized groups, but also to ensure caregivers listen to and validate these individuals. LGBTQ+ health advocacy can be structured and relayed in many forms such as through political campaigns, community fests or even healthcare provider’s strategies in dealing with health issues. Versions of the aforementioned advocate might be represented in LGBTQ+ health advocacy and it can be a collective, a patient-led group, self-help union, health professional association, statutory support or funding body, medical charity or even a business interest on the other side. LGBTQ+ health advocacy highlights the need for research, health services and policy portrayal and this advocacy can take the form of information giving, peer support, proactive help and representation. For the past decades, numerous victories have been secured in the advocacy for LGBTQ+ health, from the abolition of violent legal frameworks to the establishment of conversation positions. It is a common myth that LGBTQ+ health advocacy only strives for public’s understanding of diverse sexual orientations and genders. Although these types of advocacy are pivotal in the movement, the focal point of the LGBTQ+ health advocacy is always about the amplification of LGBTQ+ health messages in organizations and institutions like the healthcare services. With a society that is more accepting, it might be thought that LGBTQ+ health advocacy would move to the bottom of the pile in terms of movements that need to be supported. In contrast, the advocacy for LGBTQ+ health just seems to get more and more powerful and as the conversations grow, so does the progress. It is crucial as well that the success and challenges of LGBTQ+ health advocacy are analyzed and certain improvement strategies should be planned and implemented. The influence of LGBTQ+ health advocacy has contributed significant positive changes in practices, legislations, and societal expectations. The betterment of LGBTQ+ health services via the formulation and implementation of LGBTQ+ health advocacy enhances national health care delivery in general and strengthens our health systems.
2. Challenges in LGBTQ+ Health
Many disparities and barriers to adequate health for the LGBTQ+ community spring from discrimination and harassment. For example, youth and adults who identify as LGBTQ+ are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, likely as a result of mental and emotional stress caused by anti-LGBTQ+ bias and stigmatization. Society has also played a role in the spread of diseases such as HIV and AIDS in the LGBTQ+ community. The stigmatization of sexual orientations and gender identities other than heterosexuality and cisgender has led to a lack of comprehensive sex education and prevention efforts for these individuals. In addition, the community faces a lack of access to proper healthcare as a result of a number of complications, including discrimination and a lack of cultural competency among health providers. Patients face barriers to care such as mental stress and physical discomfort in healthcare settings, healthcare specific discrimination, inadequate access to care, and interruptions in insurance coverage due to fear of losing one’s job. As a result, the health disparities in this group of individuals compared to the general population are staggering. Considering all of these challenges in LGBTQ+ health, continued advocacy for this at-risk demographic is crucial. Various strategies and advancements have been made in this area of public health. The next section of this article will discuss potential solutions and completed initiatives in LGBTQ+ health advocacy.
2.1. Health Disparities in LGBTQ+ Community
An important focus of LGBTQ+ health advocacy is addressing the significant health disparities that exist for this community. Health disparities are defined as gaps in the quality of health and health care that mirror differences in socioeconomic conditions and structural inequalities. Astonishingly, LGBTQ+ individuals face health disparities in several different ways in comparison to those who identify as heterosexual or cisgender. One of the key health disparities being increasingly discussed in research is the existence of higher rates of certain physical and mental health conditions within the LGBTQ+ community in comparison to the broader population. For example, lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to get preventive services for cancer. Gay men are at higher risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Nearly half of bisexual men and one in four gay men have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lives, as opposed to one in seven men overall. And the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., is much higher amongst men who have sex with men. These are just a few examples, and the full scope of disproportionate health outcomes, both in physical and mental health, is still being researched and supported by evidence. Such disparities are closely linked with experiences of stigma and discrimination within society. LGBTQ+ people continue to experience barriers to accessing appropriate and affordable care. It is true that advances are being made in LGBTQ+ health policy and its recognition as a legitimate field of research, both in the United States and internationally. For instance, here in America, the Healthy People 2020 initiative includes goals specifically dedicated to the improvement of LGBTQ+ health. This includes aiming to reduce substance abuse and the proportion of LGBTQ+ people who experience major depressive episodes, as well as increasing the number of LGBTQ+ affirming health care providers and supportive public health and social services. However, there is still a significant amount of work to be done both in producing high-quality research that highlights the precise mechanisms by which LGBTQ+ health disparities manifest, and also in translating such research into real, tangible policy changes and clinical practice.
2.2. Stigma and Discrimination
Many studies have shown that stigma and discrimination in society are among the most significant contributing factors to the poor health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Stigma, which refers to the shame or disgrace attached to a particular condition, quality, or person, often leads to social marginalization or denial of opportunities. Discrimination, on the other hand, involves the acts that result from stigma, such as excluding or restricting people in the area of employment, education, etc. Stigmatizing and discriminatory actions can be manifested in many different forms, including physical violence, verbal bullying, avoidance or social exclusion, and religious condemnation. As a result of the stigma and discrimination, many LGBTQ+ people suffer from concealment, which often derives from the fear of being rejected, isolated, and devalued. The psychological impact of concealment can be huge. For example, people may develop depression, anxiety, self-hatred, or even suicidal feelings. Also, hiding sexual orientation and suppressing gender identity can create chronic stress, which may lead to a profound disturbance in the stress-regulation system, causing long-term physical health problems. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is reflected in the limited legal protection or recognition available to them worldwide. For example, homosexual acts are still considered criminal in some countries; same-sex marriage is not recognized in a number of countries, and in the United States before the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015, the legality was varying from state to state. Although more and more countries begin to have laws to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, such as anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity laws, many still do not have adequate protection for them. As a result, LGBTQ+ people face many more legal challenges. For example, the legal uncertainty of the recognition of same-sex relationships may cause different property rights between same-sex and different-sex couples. Such legal disparities can have a direct and negative impact on the personal and family lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Such symptoms work in much the same way as acute stress—constricting blood vessels and raising blood pressures, for example. Over time, these chronic study bay symptoms can lead to severe health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, as well as immune and infectious diseases.
2.3. Access to Healthcare
Simulation and reflection in the healthcare profession is a recognition of the reality that one must continually improve and adapt one’s practice to suit the evolving needs of our patients. Cultivating leaders who seek to help and guide professionals in fields such as medicine could truly transform the landscape of LGBTQ+ healthcare access in the long term. Laying the foundation for the next generation of healthcare in an educational, inclusive, and progressive manner is a key argument in contemporary LGBTQ+ health advocacy; encouraging those who recognize the importance of striving for quality of care and fulfilling one’s duty of making it accessible to all.
Recognizing the need for ongoing advocacy in this area, a number of strategies have been taken up by advocates seeking to ameliorate the difficulties faced by the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to healthcare access and treatment. These strategies often emphasize the proactive education of healthcare providers, as well as advocacy for policy and legal change. For example, there are a number of organizations dedicated specifically to LGBTQ+ health advocacy that offer training and resources to help healthcare providers improve culturally competent care. In particular, such organizations may offer best practice recommendations and advice for healthcare professionals in any field of medicine so that individuals are able to obtain care in a knowledgeable and supportive environment. Such organizations also work to support the right to access comprehensive and culturally competent healthcare – so often a key focus of advocacy efforts is in supporting or enacting anti-discrimination laws and improved access to care in a variety of contexts.
LGBTQ+ individuals face numerous obstacles when trying to access appropriate and beneficial healthcare. Sometimes this is due to a lack of education or training in LGBTQ+ health issues among healthcare providers. Other times, it is due to the discriminatory laws and policies that are in place. Many individuals struggle to find healthcare providers who are both knowledgeable about and sympathetic to their experiences. Even in places where LGBTQ+ individuals have legal protections from discrimination in health insurance, or when receiving care on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity, discrimination is still commonly reported. Such discrimination can seriously hinder one’s ability to obtain coverage and access to medically necessary treatment and care. This unequal treatment creates a number of different issues, such as chronic and otherwise preventable conditions going untreated. It also subsequently drives up the overall cost of treatment for this underserved population once they do seek care, as they are more likely to need more intensive intervention by that time. There can be no doubting that the lack of adequate access to care for many LGBTQ+ individuals is a critical public health issue.
3. Strategies for LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy
There are various strategies for LGBTQ+ health advocacy, ranging from creating awareness to promoting policy changes. This section explores some of the main strategies that are employed today. Raising awareness and educating the public and healthcare providers about LGBTQ+ health issues and the needs of the community is a key strategy. For example, the Center for Excellence in Transgender Health has developed and implemented a comprehensive professional training program. This program includes the Transgender Health Learning Center, which is an online resource to help train medical providers on transgender-competent care and it offers continuing medical education credits. Policy advocacy can take many forms, from disseminating information to mobilizing public support to directly lobbying the lawmakers. No matter what specific tactic is used, policy advocacy is about creating systemic change. Community Health Centers that are funded to provide care to special populations are required by federal regulations to provide access to services without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity. This has been taken to mean that if a Health Center receives federal funding, then it must provide healthcare to transgender people, doing away with the ability for Health Centers to adopt exclusionary practices. Creating inclusive environments in a healthcare setting is another important strategy. For example, the Human Rights Campaign has developed the Healthcare Equality Index which surveys healthcare facilities in the United States. The index is used to encourage equal healthcare access for all patients, regardless of age, sex, race, gender identity or sexual orientation. Lastly, providing mental health support and creating networks within the community are also crucial strategies for LGBTQ+ health advocacy. This includes supporting existing mental health programs financially so that they can grow and extend their reach and also in community building. For example, medical research is always moving forward and taking on new frontiers and one modern health disparities facing the LGBTQ+ population. This can have powerful impacts for policy changes as well, if new evidence can be used to support policy proposals, just as the Institute of Medicine Report has been used to advocate for culturally competent and supportive healthcare. Such research is invaluable for this approach to advocacy. Mental health support is a crucial strategy for LGBTQ+ health advocacy. LGBTQ+ individuals are at a higher risk for mental health issues, in part because of the minority stress that comes from discrimination. For example, the well-known Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ people, aged 13-24. The project also provides digital community support and advocates against anti-LGBTQ legislation. Finally, efforts are increasingly focusing on creating research evidence to bolster policy advocacy. Nowadays, apart from health inequalities in LGBTQ+ population, disparities’ and ‘Sexual and Gender Minority Health Curriculum’. The former provides funded medical students, residents and doctoral post-graduates with the opportunity… own research… i.e. ‘The Future of Family Medicine: A Gender, Sexual and Relationship Minority Health Framework’ and ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Patient Care’. The IOM had a… to the Health, Learning, and Working… establishes evidence-based health measures for the diverse population subgroups in the United States.
3.1. Raising Awareness and Education
Education involves informing the public about LGBTQ+ identities, health disparities faced by the community, and ways to be more inclusive. Members of the public can be educated through workshops, resources in healthcare settings, and awareness sessions. Importantly, the Department of Health and Human Services has recognized that LGBTQ+ health requires a focus on education and awareness to reduce higher rates of illness and health disparities. From 2011, the Department found that “planning and implementing programs and activities” seeking to address LGBTQ+ health “should be guided by a strategic focus”. This included education and training, with the aim to “improve the knowledge, skills, and capacity” of healthcare providers in their duties to the LGBTQ+ community. Such work ensures that discrimination and lack of cultural competency can be addressed and tackled, thereby improving the quality of care for LGBTQ+ patients. These efforts should be ongoing and updated regularly. However, a drawback of raising awareness is that it can prove difficult to attract attention from members of the public who are not engaged with healthcare or social issues. This is where implementing education is also crucial, as it targets specific groups to change existing knowledge and attitudes, rather than hoping that awareness spread generally will reach those who are the key influencers of policy and rate of health disparities. By educating healthcare providers and promising new systems of change within public health campaigns, it is possible to address multifaceted approaches to LGBTQ+ health.
Raising awareness means to bring the public’s attention to the importance of LGBTQ+ health advocacy and the specific health needs of the LGBTQ+ community. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as campaigns and community events. For example, a local event may be organized to provide free sexual health screenings and health education, or a national campaign may be launched to promote the implementation of LGBTQ+ inclusive education in schools.
One of the main strategies in LGBTQ+ health advocacy is to raise awareness and educate the public.
3.2. Policy and Legal Advocacy
Phew! That was a lot of information. I know talking about policy and laws can feel a little dry and boring sometimes. But it’s important to remember that laws are meant to be a reflection of what we value as a society and the protections that we afford to all people. When we see laws that do not reflect the values of equality that we hold, we have to work to change them. Using legal advocacy to create policy change is one of the most impactful things we can do to respond to the health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ people.
In some cases, challenges to existing laws or regulations may be necessary, requiring reform or change at a legislative level.
Policy and legal advocates may also work with litigation, or using the court systems to create change or represent a group or individual whose rights have been discriminated against or harmed.
Public education initiatives often include a media presence and various ways to get information out to the public such as creating educational websites, holding public events, or engaging in a public news column.
Common methods of policy and legal advocacy can include public education, legal representation, and law and policy reform.
Public education campaigns are designed to teach and promote change or new understanding in the community.
There are many different ways to approach policy and legal advocacy.
This has been the most successful way to create lasting change for LGBTQ+ communities.
One of the most effective methods for advancing the health and mental health of LGBTQ+ people is engaging in policy and legal advocacy work.
3.3. Creating Inclusive Healthcare Environments
Creating an inclusive healthcare environment is an important part of helping LGBTQ+ people. It is only possible by educating providers, removing the barriers that leave LGBTQ+ patients with inequitable access to care, and fostering a welcoming healthcare setting where LGBTQ+ communities feel respected and understood. To advance policies that create inclusive healthcare environments, we have to understand what is often referred to as cultural competence or responsive healthcare and practices that are designed to specifically better serve LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. These are practices that medical, nursing, and other healthcare professional students should be taught as part of their core curriculum – not just listed as strategies particular to supporting the rights of LGBTQ+ folks. But in the meantime, this work can be done through elective courses, workshops, and other opportunities for learning and skill building around LGBTQ+ health. Moreover, The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has designated healthcare facilities in the United States that are adjudged to be leaders in LGBT healthcare equality. This initiative, known as the Healthcare Equality Index, evaluates and scores each facility on non-discrimination and staff training and patient services and support. Rising the scores above the national average and making long-term efforts in policy research and comprehensive advocacy have led to real, substantive changes in LGBTQ+ healthcare experiences and will continue to drive progressive efforts in this way. Some points on which Adam’s and other researcher in this field stresses a lot as very essential and impactful for creating a inclusive healthcare environments are increasing the visibility and use of health services that have been identified as “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality” and encouraging, if possible, treatment providers to seek out training. Individually, Adams noted “It is important to research the facilities in your area, but not everyone has that privilege”, which touches on the disparities faced by rural or low-SES LGBTQ+ people when it comes to the “choice” of receiving more affirming healthcare. Also, in order to better understand the different health needs and life circumstances of LGBTQ+ individuals, we are advocating for federal data collection and expanding health research funding focused on LGBTQ+ health. Such a project provides financial and administrative support for healthcare organizations to research, develop, and implement enhanced health services to underserved populations with a specific focus on creating inclusive healthcare environments. This grant funding, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, requires healthcare organizations to engage in community-led participatory research and service development with the specific goal of promoting healthcare equality for oppressed and marginalized communities. In the advocacy guide provided by the National LGBTQ Task Force, the organization suggests people to contact their elected officials and ask them to support federal data collection on LGBTQ+ health and expand healthcare research funding and also shows the steps and criteria to join the campaign, which is such a valuable chance for all of us to work together for a better health future of LGBTQ+ people.
3.4. Mental Health Support
While finding accessible and LGBTQ-affirming care is important, it’s just as important or even more important in some cases to make sure you’re able to take care of yourself and be aware of that when it comes to seeking out help with your mental health. But “self-care” isn’t always enough and it’s hard to know where to turn when you’re first trying to reach out for mental health help. One thing that’s always a good idea if you’re able to do so is finding a mental health professional who understands and is supportive of LGBTQ individuals. These professionals can be psychiatrists, therapists, psychologists, social workers, or other folks who are trained to provide mental health services. One way to find someone like this is through the referral service of your local LGBTQ community center. If you’re a student, you might also have a counseling center on your campus. It’s definitely worth it to do a little bit of research, even if it’s just finding someone new to talk with every once in a while. When things start to feel very overwhelming or you’re concerned about your safety, remember that crisis supports are always available. For example, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and The Trevor Project both offer 24/7 support for people dealing with crises and consider reaching out to other LGBTQ friends or supporting social connections when you need a hand. Social connections are really important!
4. Successes and Future Directions in LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy
The progress in LGBTQ+ health advocacy has been substantial. For example, LGBTQ+ inclusive non-discrimination laws have been created in some places. This means that LGBTQ+ individuals cannot be discriminated against in healthcare settings. Another promising sign is more government-funded research is being conducted in LGBTQ+ health and health disparities. As a result, there are increased numbers of findings and reports on LGBTQ+ health issues. In 2011 and 2013, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have updated their policies to require applicants to report on their sex and gender information in all proposed research. In June 2016, the final rule of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became effective. This rule states that any healthcare program or activity that is paid for or made available through ACA cannot discriminate against individuals based on sex. This rule also interprets that sex discrimination includes discrimination based on sex stereotyping and gender identity. Also, based on the rule, covered entities cannot deny or limit sex-specific health services. In the future, it is hoped that the ongoing efforts in LGBTQ+ health advocacy would close the gap in healthcare accessibility and quality between LGBTQ+ individuals and the rest of the population. In the section “4. Successes and Future Directions in LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy” of my “LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy” writing, I provided inputs for a more informed understanding of the current landscape of LGBTQ+ health advocacy efforts and the trajectory that the field is moving towards in the upcoming years. However, it would take time and continuous teamwork from everyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals and allies as well as lawmakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals, to make the shared goal of a more LGBTQ+ inclusive and equitable healthcare environment a reality.
4.1. Achievements in LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy
Several achievements have been made in the field of LGBTQ+ health advocacy. One of the greatest achievements in LGBTQ+ health advocacy in the United States is the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA has played a vital role in addressing healthcare disparities and improving the health of many marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals. It is the first time in U.S. history that there are non-discrimination protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in healthcare. Moreover, the requirement for data collection and implementation science has enhanced the visibility and quality of LGBTQ+ health research and its sensitivity to underserved populations. For instance, the Sexual Orientation Gender Identity (SOGI) module is active on electronic health records and meaningful use required that electronic health records have the capacity to collect this type of data. This has led to an increase in visibility of LGBTQ+ patient population and has supported the development of affirming health systems. LGBTQ+ health advocacy is not only advancing at the policy and regulations level, but also at the public health and social level. Since 2001, over 60 LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS advocacy organizations across the United States have undertaken social justice-based public health practice. These practices put marginalized and stigmatized LGBTQ+ individuals and families at the forefront and center in goal settings and solution findings through empowering them. This has created positive impacts and acknowledgements of the multiple and complex experiences of LGBTQ+ communities among public health institutions and professionals. In recent years, the federal government has also acknowledged the importance of addressing LGBTQ+ health disparities. For example, in 2015, the National Institute of Health (NIH) designated sexual and gender minorities as a health disparity population and required all research applications to include a consideration of the differences of health conditions among the sexual and gender minority populations in their study design. As of today, numerous research projects tailored to the health of LGBTQ+ communities have been carried out. Advanced by the administration of Barack Obama, the Healthy People 2020 were released with specific aims and objectives for improving the health of LGBTQ+ population. Such guidelines called for nationally representative health surveillance systems to capture data on sexual orientation in order to inform and promote health programs towards ending the health disparities. Such guidelines also emphasized the inclusion of sexual and gender minorities in health and aging research. As progress was seen during the implementation of Healthy People 2020, the next stage of the national public health agenda, Healthy People 2030, was released in August 2020. The emphasis on goals and objectives about LGBTQ+ health has been further expanded and integrated. It is also supported by an innovative data source—The GenIUSS Group-Level Data Exchange, the first of its kind data sharing hub for states and counties to create, update, and share geographical data on demographics about LGBTQ+ adult population. Given the fact that the achievements happen in a wide range of areas in a relatively short period, it signals a great advance in LGBTQ+ health advocacy and public health. Such achievements create a strong momentum for future improvements and the development in policies, resources, and opportunities for the health of LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
4.2. Ongoing Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Well-established disparities and continued discrimination are only a few of the ongoing challenges that must be overcome to support the highest attainable level of health for all people, including the LGBTQ+ community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face limited access to healthcare due to discriminatory practices by some healthcare providers and institutions. For example, in a survey conducted by Lambda Legal, 56% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual and 70% of transgender individuals who sought care in the last year reported some form of discrimination, such as being refused needed care, healthcare professionals refusing to touch them or using excessive precautions, being blamed for their health status, or healthcare professionals being physically or verbally abusive. Understandably, such experiences can have a lasting effect on a person’s health, both physically and mentally. Dr. Scout, Director of the CenterLink’s Network for LGBTQ+ Health Equity, points to the fact that disparities are often amplified when a person holds multiple marginalized identities, such as being both a person of color and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Furthermore, when it comes to research and data collection for the LGBTQ+ population, significant challenges exist. Currently, many federal healthcare surveys either do not collect information on sexual orientation and gender identity or, if they do, the data collection methods used are less than inclusive. Without this crucial information, it can be difficult for policymakers and advocates to understand the gaps in healthcare services and to allocate appropriate resources. Finally, our recent devastating global pandemic of COVID-19 has further emphasized the myriad disparities in healthcare and health outcomes for different populations, particularly those in already marginalized groups such as people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community. With so much work to be done, it is essential to understand and critique these challenges through the lens of LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy in order to continue the progress that has been made and to move forward as effectively as possible.
4.3. Future Directions in LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy
One way for driving future directions in prevention, which I think is quite exciting, is the use of technology. And it is thought about digital interventions, I think these might be particularly effective for reaching LGBTQ+ people because not only do they tend to lead the population in terms of technology use, but it can be a way of accessing people who are as yet not identified by ‘mainstream’ services and it is very flexible in terms of being able to adapt the interventions research essay pro for different groups, but particularly with LGBTQ+ people, where there’s not been a lot of research. And so understanding the uses of technology and digital methods is gaining increasing recognition and it is promising to change the landscape of how to reach people for intervention development and also for accessing different types of data from the general population. And technology can create new opportunities for LGBTQ+ health and well-being, it enable to break down social and economic barriers and also open up possibilities for new ways of thinking about research and research methodologies. And it is through the use of interdisciplinary approaches and excellence in this research which will lead to innovative and meaningful strategies for intervention development, evaluation and understanding impact. Overall, I believe that the success of future initiatives and prevention strategies lies in the creation of a truly diverse and inclusive research and practice community for public health workers and for academics because only in that way can we move forwards in a progressive and effective way when it comes to making these changes for the better. And so it is my opinion that a shift in LGBTQ+ health, away from just responding to illness and disease, to focus more on prevention is necessary in order to improve LGBTQ+ health overall and eliminate significant disparities. The emphasis is moving more towards looking at people’s health as a more holistic, in a more inclusive way, rather than just treating symptoms once they occur. And these types of prevention strategies might include population-based programs that are aimed at reducing risk factors for illness, in addition to enhancing protective factors, and increasing well-being among the people in the community. Advocates believe that on the whole LGBTQ+ health and well-being activities are generally under-resourced. But it is widely accepted and demonstrated in several studies, and indeed other calls to action, that prevention strategies that target LGBTQ+ people are grossly and inadequately funded compared to other, more general population, health activities.

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