Celebrating Pride Month

Here at JTG Consulting Group (JTG), we understand that the healthcare system is a tapestry comprised of diverse individuals who come together to provide healthcare to an equally diverse population. This is why JTG has a strong commitment to promoting diversity with its own organization and within society at-large. During the month of June we are celebrating Pride Month and showing our support for the LGBTQ community. Members of the LGBTQ community work in all sectors of the healthcare industry and we would like to celebrate their contributions to healthcare and society.

While the LGBTQ community has made great advances over the last 50 years, there is still work to be done. Research shows that the LGBT individuals continue to face health disparities. This is often the product of societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. Discrimination against LGBTQ individuals has been linked to higher rates of psychiatric disorder, substance abuse, and suicide. LGBTQ individuals also experience higher rates of violence and victimization.

Some examples of health disparities include:

· LGBT youth are 2 to 3 times more likely to attempt suicide

· Elderly LGBT individuals face additional barriers to health because of isolation and a lack of social services and culturally competent providers

· Lesbians are less likely to get preventive services for cancer

· Gay men are at higher risk of HIV and other STDs

· Lesbians and bisexual females are more likely to be overweight or obese

· Transgender individuals are less likely to have health insurance and are at higher risk for mental health issues, HIV/STDs, victimization, and suicide.

For information and resources on LGBTQ health issues visit the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion web page on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health.

One way to begin addressing the health disparities is through increased diversity in the healthcare system and culturally competent care.

While most Pride events have been canceled due to the current COVID-19

health crisis we hope you take some time during the month of June to celebrate the LGBTQ community. To lean about the history of Pride and for ideas on how to celebrate see:

“It’s Pride Month. Here’s what you need to know”, CNN

“How you can observe LGBTQ+ Pride Month with nationwide events canceled”, USA Today.

“Watch these LGBTQ-friendly TV shows, films to honor Pride Month”, USA Today.

“10 LGBTQ books to read for Pride Month: Glennon Doyle, Cameron Esposito, Brandon Taylor, more”, USA Today

“World Leaders, Pop Stars and Drag Queens to Headline Livestream for Gay Pride”, The New York Times

“The History of Pride Month And What It can Teach Us About Moving Forward Today”, Forbes

“In Gay We Trust: How To Have Pride In a Pandemic”, Advocate

“Pride started with revolutionary riots: Advocates point to movement’s radical roots”, NBC News