Monday, March 25, 2013

Resources for LGBT Health Awareness Week


LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Health Awareness Week is March 25th – 29th. The theme for 2013 is Come Out for Health. Per the American Psychological Association, the 4 principles for this year include:
  • Consumer Empowerment — by making resources available to the LGBT community on how to approach their health care providers about their sexual orientation and gender identity; 
  • Culturally Competent Services — by directing health care providers to resources on how to become a culturally competent source of services for the LGBT community; 
  • Engaged Communities — by providing outreach materials to a variety of organizations to encourage participation in LGBT Health Awareness Week; and
  • Inclusive Policymaking — by engaging Congress and federal administration during LGBT Health Awareness Week and providing resources to reach out to local and state officials related to LGBT Health. 
APA's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns Office provides a range of information and resources for increasing psychologists' and others' cultural competence concerning LGBT health and this year launched a new webpage for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health.

How can you get involved?

There are several ways you and your community can support LGBT Health Awareness week.
  • Write a letter to your senator and/or congressman in support of LGBT rights
  • Pledge a commitment to LGBT health
Resources for professionals:

APA Guidelines for Practice with LGBT Clients http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/guidelines.aspx

Marriage and Family Issues of LGBT People http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/marriage-and-family.aspx

Fact sheet on Psychological and Social Outcomes of Children of Same-Sex Couples  http://www.spssi.org/_data/n_0001/resources/live/Factsheet_Psychological_Social_Adjustment_V5.pdf


Human Rights Campaign- Guide to state level advocacy against hate crimes http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/a-guide-to-state-level-advocacy-following-enactment-of-the-matthew-she

Resource for parents:

Human Rights Campaign Parenting Resources:

Resource Guide for Coming Out




An Ally’s Guide to Issues Facing LGBT Americans (for heterosexual supporters) http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/an-allys-guide-to-issues-facing-the-lgbt-community