By Cara Cheevers, MSW, Policy Director, One Colorado
Happy LGBTQ Health Awareness Week!
We've
made a lot of progress in Colorado in the last few years to improve
health outcomes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer
(LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families - in part due to policy changes
like the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid expansion,
non-discrimination protections within the insurance marketplace, and the
benefits that come with the freedom to marry.
Yet,
there is much work to do. More LGBTQ Coloradans - especially
transgender people - struggle to afford quality and inclusive care, and
they often have to travel long distances to find a provider who will
take their insurance. Experiences with harassment and discrimination
have increased, and fewer people report these experiences to
authorities. Behavioral health outcomes - including anxiety, depression,
and thoughts of suicide - have grown worse. We're at a critical turning
point to improve LGBTQ health in the state.
This
week, we're talking about how we can close the gap between lived and
legal equality for LGTBQ Coloradans within our health system. You can
follow us on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
for daily information on behavioral health, the importance of
reflective identity documents for transgender Coloradans, access to
health care, gender-affirming health care, and overall health and
well-being. Join us in building on the momentum of the last few years to
make our state the healthiest and safest place for all Coloradans.
