It is not simply enough to address the consequences of stigma and discrimination against LGBT Americans.
by Randall Ellis
Senior Director of Govt Relations
Legacy Community Health Services - Houston
Discrimination and a lack of appropriate funding for our community’s health needs deprive many gay men from achieving the optimal level of health and wellness. Although LGBT people in general have gained greater visibility in our society, the past eight years have been a difficult for gay men’s health and wellness issues. While the current administration has used LGBT Americans as scapegoats in their quest to win elections and maintain political power, our most pressing health issues have had to compete for dwindling funds. As Washington DC prepares for a new administration, gay men can now hope to proactively advance important health care issues instead of fighting to simply maintain current funding on programs.National AIDS Strategy
Worldwide, most cases of HIV are spread from heterosexual contact, not sex between men. Here in the U.S., however, gay men make up a disproportionate share of HIV/AIDS. We as gay men must continue to take responsibility in leading the fight to end this disease.
It is a disgrace that we are more than 25 years into HIV/AIDS epidemic and the United States of America still does no have a comprehensive strategy to address HIV/AIDS; something we require of foreign nations seeking assistance through PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). It is time that the United States put in place a comprehensive plan that pulls together government agencies, community organizations, as well as the business community to create a coordinated plan to bring down HIV infection rates, increase access to lifesaving care, and reduce racial disparities.
Increased Resources for Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Mental health services and substance abuse prevention and treatment are issues greatly underfunded in the United States. It is time that we invest more resources in interventions designed specifically for gay men. In addition, we need more funding for and LGBT treatment and mental health clinics.
Often estranged from their families of origin due to their sexual orientation, gay men also face homophobic attitudes from co-workers, media, and religious and social institutions. These negative messages, combined with an overall lack of social support, frequently lead to feelings of isolation and depression that in turn can have a deleterious effect upon the overall health of this population. Studies have consistently documented higher rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide attempts among LGBT populations due to these social stresses.
It is not simply enough to address the consequences of stigma and discrimination against LGBT Americans. We must also push for a nationwide campaign to combat the discrimination and stigma. We must address the root causes of mental health and substance abuse by creating a more tolerant and accepting society.
Healthcare Reform
The issue of reforming our nations’ health care system has gained momentum over the past year. An overwhelming majority of Americans believe the new administration must act now to change our current system. It is important that LGBT Americans have a seat at the table as our nation looks at reforming our healthcare system. Gay men and their families must be able to provide input to ensure our issues and concerns about healthcare are addressed.
The coming year hold the promise of great change for our country. Gay men must seize the opportunity and proactively push a healthcare agenda that deals with the unique challenges our community faces.
[Click here to read previous input into the 2009
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