Maka Gogia’s Post

Is true happiness attainable while our LGBTQ+ community faces dangers and discrimination? Our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and acquaintances navigate numerous risks - societal biases, workplace discrimination, unfair arrests, and community isolation. Overcoming these challenges demands strength and resilience. Despite advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, unfair treatment persists socially and legally worldwide. Many countries criminalize homosexuality including Tanzania, and discrimination remains prevalent. Harassment, from verbal abuse to physical violence, is a daily reality for many in the LGBTQ+ community. We must reflect on achieving genuine happiness while our LGBTQ+ community endures such hardships. Let's prioritize collective well-being and advocate for a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Make a #donationnow https://lnkd.in/eykxSHtc GlobalGiving GlobalGiving UK Global Activists Network (GAN) Human Rights Funders Network (HRFN) InterPride OUR PRIDE Arts & Advocacy Standard Chartered KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Air France Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Let's discuss the critical issues surrounding #healthcareequity and the #LGBTQcommunity. Access to quality #healthcare, #mentalhealth, and #addictiontreatment should be universal rights. Unfortunately, these essentials are not readily available, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. While our healthcare system is known for its fragmentation, the lack of #populationhealth data for the LGBTQ+ community is alarming. Shockingly, bisexual individuals are more prone to chronic pain, while gay and bisexual men, as well as transgender individuals, face heightened risks of infectious diseases like HIV, monkeypox, and COVID-19. Yet, crucial data on mortality rates within this community remains uncollected. Despite societal progress, challenges persist. Reports show that 16% of LGBTQ+ individuals encountered discrimination while seeking healthcare, with approximately 33% of transgender individuals facing obstacles within the healthcare system. As someone who has personally faced healthcare discrimination, I acknowledge our advancements while emphasizing the need for further improvement. At Aware Recovery Care, Inc., we prioritize inclusivity by collecting data on sexual orientation, gender identity, and individual preferences. This information helps tailor care teams, treatment plans, and referrals, ensuring a comfortable and personalized healthcare experience. If you or anyone you know needs support with physical, emotional, or SUD challenges, feel free to contact me at 203-631-2556 or dleary@awarerecoverycare.com I am happy to help!

Let us celebrate Pride month by spreading awareness and addressing health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community At NYU-CUNY-PRC, we are committed to promoting health equity and improving access to preventive care for all. Despite significant progress, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face unique health disparities, often worsened by barriers to care and social stigma. Preventive care is essential for early detection and treatment of health issues, reducing the risk of severe outcomes. However, LGBTQ+ individuals often encounter challenges such as: - Limited Access to Inclusive Healthcare: Many face discrimination or lack of culturally competent care. - Mental Health Concerns: Higher rates of depression and anxiety due to societal pressures and marginalization. - Increased Risk for Certain Conditions: Such as HIV/AIDS, particularly among gay and bisexual men, and cervical cancer among lesbian women who may not receive regular screenings. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels safe and respected when seeking care. Here are a few steps we can take together: - Education and Training: Ensure healthcare providers receive training on LGBTQ+ health issues and cultural competency. - Community Outreach: Enhance awareness and accessibility of preventive services through targeted outreach programs. - Advocacy and Policy Change: Advocate for policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights and improve healthcare access. Join us in our mission to reduce health disparities and foster a healthier, more inclusive community for all. #LGBTQHealth #PreventiveCare #HealthEquity #NYUCUNYPRC #InclusiveHealthcare

Our recent short report in Sexual Health (with my lovely co-authors Drs. Mance Buttram and Matthew S. Ellis, PhD, MPE) found that individuals living in states with lower LGBTQ equality in the US were significantly less likely to be aware of #doxyPEP – an important evidence-based biomedical strategy that is effective at preventing bacterial STIs, particularly syphilis and chlamydia, among gay and bisexual men and trans women. (Full article: https://lnkd.in/g5GZuW8Z) Inequities find a way creeping in when there are exciting new advances afoot. An understanding of how social determinants of health structure the implementation of interventions is crucial. This has been clearly seen with HIV PrEP. We need more research focused on how social determinants of health impact the uptake of novel biomedical advances, with a distinct focus on equity and communities who are disproportionately impacted. Let's work to ensure that everyone who can benefit from #doxyPEP knows that it exists, how it works and has access to it. Incidentally, I'm also saddened that my final factsheet for aidsmap is on the topic of #doxyPEP (https://lnkd.in/gfWPt58y).

🌈✨ Today, on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, we celebrate the strides made in protecting the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals around the world. This year's theme, “No one left behind: Equality, freedom and justice for all,” reminds us of both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain. 🌈Since 2019, 11 countries have embraced marriage equality. 🌈Since 2017, 13 countries have decriminalized LGBTQIA+ sexuality. UN bodies are now advocating for transgender-friendly HIV care, intersex rights, and an end to health care discrimination. “LGBTQIA+ people deserve full enjoyment of their equal rights just like all others,” says UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem. “To truly leave no one behind means safeguarding the rights of LGBTQIA+ people in all settings and including them fully in humanitarian efforts.” Together, we can create a world where everyone enjoys equality, freedom, and justice. 🌍✨ #IDAHOTB2024 #EqualityForAll #NoOneLeftBehind #LGBTQIA+

Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, we celebrate the theme of "No one left behind: Equality, freedom, and justice for all." 🏳️🌈 In recent years, there have been significant strides in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. From the legalisation of marriage equality in 11 countries since 2019 to the decriminalisation of being LGBTQIA+ in 13 countries since 2017, the world is moving towards a more inclusive future💕 The United Nations has been instrumental in advocating for transgender-friendly HIV care, the rights of intersex individuals, and the end of discrimination in health services. These efforts have not only empowered LGBTQIA+ individuals but also catalysed improvements in healthcare access and quality. As we applaud these advancements, we must also recognise the challenges that persist. Discrimination, stigma, and legal penalties still threaten the lives and freedoms of many around the world. The journey towards full equality continues. Stand together in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and commit to building societies where equality, freedom, and justice are a reality for all. Because when we say "no one left behind," we mean it. Let's keep pushing boundaries, and enacting policies that reflect our shared humanity and dignity. 💪🌈 #IDAHOTB2024 #EqualityForAll #LGBTQIArights

🎉 Special Announcement: A Groundbreaking Partnership for Change Fathers' UpLift is thrilled to announce a transformative collaboration between Dr. Charles Daniels, our esteemed founder, and Dr. Daniel Jacobson López, Assistant Professor at Boston University and Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Dr. López’s expertise spans critical areas such as: ✔️ Addressing violence against gay Black and/or Latino men ✔️ Combating sexual violence ✔️ Supporting LGBT persons of color ✔️ Advancing public health and social work initiatives ✔️ Investigating the effects of COVID-19 on LGBT populations and those living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Together, this collaboration marks the launch of an exciting new initiative aimed at expanding inclusive, trauma-informed care and resources for marginalized communities, particularly fathers and men of color navigating the intersection of violence, identity, and mental health. 🎥 Watch the video to learn more about this game-changing initiative and how it’s reshaping support for underserved populations. 🌟 This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building stronger, healthier communities for all. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this groundbreaking journey! #CollaborationForChange #FathersUpLift #InclusiveCare #SocialWork #LGBTAdvocacy #MentalHealthMatters

🎉 Special Announcement: A Groundbreaking Partnership for Change Fathers' UpLift is thrilled to announce a transformative collaboration between Dr. Charles Daniels, our esteemed founder, and Dr. Daniel Jacobson López, Assistant Professor at Boston University and Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Dr. López’s expertise spans critical areas such as: ✔️ Addressing violence against gay Black and/or Latino men ✔️ Combating sexual violence ✔️ Supporting LGBT persons of color ✔️ Advancing public health and social work initiatives ✔️ Investigating the effects of COVID-19 on LGBT populations and those living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Together, this collaboration marks the launch of an exciting new initiative aimed at expanding inclusive, trauma-informed care and resources for marginalized communities, particularly fathers and men of color navigating the intersection of violence, identity, and mental health. 🎥 Watch the video to learn more about this game-changing initiative and how it’s reshaping support for underserved populations. 🌟 This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building stronger, healthier communities for all. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this groundbreaking journey! #CollaborationForChange #FathersUpLift #InclusiveCare #SocialWork #LGBTAdvocacy #MentalHealthMatters

Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) is a critical component of comprehensive drug policy, focusing on decreasing the desire and need for drugs through prevention, education, and treatment. Within this framework, the unique experiences and challenges of LGBT individuals must be recognized and addressed to ensure inclusive and effective strategies. LGBT people often face significant social and psychological stressors, including discrimination, stigma, and rejection, which can lead to higher rates of substance use as a coping mechanism. Studies have shown that LGBT individuals are more likely to use drugs compared to their heterosexual counterparts, with the disparity being particularly pronounced among LGBT youth and transgender individuals. This increased prevalence underscores the necessity for DDR initiatives to incorporate specific considerations for the LGBT community. Inclusive DDR programs should encompass culturally competent education that addresses the unique risk factors and challenges faced by LGBT individuals. This includes creating safe spaces for LGBT youth, promoting acceptance and support within families and communities, and providing targeted outreach and resources. Furthermore, treatment programs must be sensitive to the needs of LGBT individuals, offering affirming care that acknowledges and respects their identities and experiences. Moreover, policy efforts should aim to reduce the broader social inequalities that contribute to higher drug use within the LGBT community. This involves advocating for anti-discrimination laws, promoting mental health services, and ensuring equal access to healthcare. #DrugDemandReduction #LGBTHealth #InclusivePolicy #MentalHealth #SubstanceUsePrevention

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have proposed a series of dangerous cuts to the federal budget. Specifically, the House Labor-HHS Subcommittee's draft FY 25 budget bill proposes the following cuts: -$190 million from Ryan White, -$214 million from CDC prevention funds, and -$15 million from the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund. As AIDS United has noted, we can't end the HIV epidemic with less resources. Click the link below to help protect federal funding for HIV/AIDS related programs. https://lnkd.in/erxsNhNH #LGBT #LGBTQ #LGBTQIA #LGBTQIAPlus #Transgender #NonBinary #Intersex #HIV #HIVAIDS #AIDS #HIVPrevention #Health #Healthcare #Medical #PublicHealth #CurrentAffairs #CurrentEvents #PublicAffairs #PublicPolicy #Law #Legislation #Legal #Federal #Funding #Budget #FY25 #Advocacy #Advocate #Activist #DiversityEquityInclusion #DEI #DEIB #DiversityEquityInclusionBelonging