BTL Editorial: October 25, 2007
The LGBT community has had to face daunting health issues; from HIV/AIDS, to provider neglect, to increased incidences of disease due to stress related behaviors. Particularly when faced with HIV/AIDS, the LGBT community has risen to the occasion, built networks of support and service, and dealt with an often disinterested public health bureaucracy that for years seemed more committed to judging us than caring for us.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic and the demands it made on health providers and healthcare systems has changed healthcare in America forever. Now, physicians and hospitals usually understand the nature of our relationships and are willing to accept family structures as presented by their LGBT patients. Of course, there are horror stories and exceptions, but overall the trend in the medical world is toward acceptance.The HIV/AIDS crisis had much to do with showing the healthcare community who we are, and how we care for each other.
In this issue we write about breast cancer and the need for aggressive pre-screening to avoid detection at too late a stage of the disease. We cite organizations such as Gilda's Club and the Mautner Project that provide excellent resources and support for LGBT cancer patients and their families. There was a time, not long ago, when the grieving partners and families of choice were ignored by institutional healthcare providers. But that is no longer tolerated by LGBT patients and their loved ones. This important shift comes after years of education, patient advocacy and legal pressures to open the hearts and minds of the healthcare establishment. LGBT medical practitioners have also played a key role in expanding the medical profession's understanding of family. We can celebrate that achievement.
Also, we should act on this increased acceptance of LGBT people by medical professionals. Part of valuing ourselves as LGBT people involves taking care of ourselves, and educating ourselves about proper care for our bodies. No longer should lesbians believe that, because they don't have sex with men, they have no need for basic gynecological care. No longer should trans people be in the dark about their medical maintenance needs as their bodies change. No longer should gay men be confused about their healthcare needs and support system options.
The health of a community is reflected in the health of its individuals. We owe it to ourselves as out, proud LGBT people to take care of ourselves. We should not abuse substances that can debilitate us, and ought to be careful in our sexual encounters to avoid STDs, including HIV/AIDS.
There are plenty of medical professionals and support services that are welcoming to LGBT patients. Some of them are listed in this issue. It's up to us now to make the best use of the services offered, and to take care of ourselves and our families as best we can.
