Everyone deserves to live free, equal, and healthy: Happy Pride Month

In the history of the United States and the world, many minority groups have not been treated in the same way and many places continue to be treated differently. They have been denied many rights, such as access to public places, and are not protected by certain laws. One of the minority groups that had to endure these conditions was the LGBTQ+ community. People who had a romantic relationship with people of the same sex went to jail because it was illegal. They were often expelled from parks and restaurants. Marriages were not an option for LGBTQ communities, and if their partner was sick, they were not allowed to be a medical advocate for them. As the years passed, many people in the LGBTQ community began to fight for equal rights and opportunities and that is when the gay pride marches originated as a protest demanding the human and civil rights of this community. For this reason, there is Gay Pride month to commemorate and continue to demand that their rights be respected. As we celebrate Pride month, High Impacto invites everyone to learn more about the history of LGBTQ rights, what “Pride” means, and how to care for the overall health of loved ones in the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ populations face alarming health disparities. Compared to the general population, LGBTQ people are more likely to become HIV-positive, get sexually transmitted infections (STIs), develop certain forms of cancer, suffer from mental health problems (including addiction), be the target of violence, or suicide attempts. To complicate this, LGBTQ people are less likely to receive adequate medical care. In 2020, Giving Compass, an organization located in Seattle WA that connects donors with learning resources and ways to support community-led solutions, published an article saying that 28% of transgender and gender-nonconforming people said they postponed health care when they were sick or injured due to concerns about discrimination. In addition, many bisexual people do not go to their health care providers and, as a result, receive incomplete information and care. High Impacto believes that everyone deserves to live free, equal, and healthy no matter who they are or who they love, including LGBTQ people! Everyone can reach High Impacto through our social media at @highimpacto, by calling 954-947-3603, or by email at info@highimpacto.org. Ask us how to qualify for FREE health insurance.