PRIDE

As we observe LGBTQ Pride Month this year, we honor the resilience of the queer community even in the face of increasing violence around the world and close to home.

For many in the queer community, it is difficult to feel a sense of pride as Pride Month begins. The rights of LGBTQIA+ people are being increasingly targeted in state legislatures across the country. So far in 2022, 17 states have introduced legislation that would block access to best-practice medical care for transgender youth including in Ohio, where a bill is being debated which seeks to prohibit gender affirming care for Ohio’s youth. This is despite a growing body of evidence that banning gender affirming care goes against recommended medical advice and harms the mental and physical well-being of transgender youth.

In at least 20 states, including Ohio, bills are popping up mirroring the language introduced in the Florida “Don’t Say Gay” law, effectively censoring schools from mentioning sexual orientation and gender identity, an integral part of peoples’ lives. This can force kids back into the closet, make them feel othered, and is a leading cause of the mental health issues that many in the LGBTQIA+ community deal with. According to The Trevor Project, between 48-59% of kids and young adults who consider themselves a part of the LGBTQIA+ community seriously contemplated suicide in the past year, compared to 28-37% of their cisgender peers.

ACHE of Greater Ohio is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. We strive to include diverse voices in all of our events and provide a platform for underrepresented voices to be heard. We stand with queer community. We celebrate our queer members and work hard to provide meaningful resources to help others understand the healthcare issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community.