LGBT Wellness Roundup: August 8

Finally Some Good News For LGBT Ugandans

Each week HuffPost Gay Voices, in a partnership with bloggers Liz Margolies and Scout, brings you a round up of some of the biggest LGBT wellness stories from the past seven days. For more LGBT Wellness, visit our page dedicated to the topic here.

1
WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?
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LGBT teens are known to often have worse health outcomes, but some new studies show that we can now include heightened pregnancy risk to that list, as well as more online bullying. Meanwhile, it appears mainstream news is finally taking the problem of LGBT youth homelessness seriously.
2
NOT BY MY COUNT
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A few weeks ago we reported on the NHIS report, which cited a smaller count (near 2%) of LGBT people in the population than previously thought. This week LGBT groups are refuting the findings, noting that another larger federal survey that asked the same question by phone basically reports the 4% that is commonly acknowledged.
3
IT’S ABOUT INEQUALITY, NOT RISK TAKING
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The persistence of high rates of HIV among African American gay and bisexual men has prompted a lot of theories as to the “why:” promiscuity, lack of testing, etc; all of which have been refuted. This article states it is more likely a combination of lack of access to health care, and a smaller sexual network making exposure more likely. Meanwhile, a new study African American gay and bisexual men reporting higher rates of condom breakage or incorrect use than their white counterparts, could be another factor
4
CHECKING OUTSIDE THE BOX(ES)
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Marital status questions on medical intake forms can be confusing and alienating for LGBT married couples, especially in states that don’t recognize their marriage, but it’s important to make health care institutions aware their forms don’t reflect our lives. More upsetting, an Ohio hospital is refusing a lesbian widow’s request for her deceased wife’s medical records, because laws prevent them from releasing these records since the state did not recognize their marriage.
5
FINALLY SOME GOOD NEWS ON UGANDA
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The Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Law was invalidated by the country’s constitutional court, which should make health organizations that have been supporting LGBT rights development in Uganda breathe a sigh of relief.
6
MORE RESEARCH ON LGBT SMOKING
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A new, yet small study, of LGBT in the midwest found that psychological distress correlated more with smoking than social support. Another study sought to understand the impact of smoking upon health of HIV positive gay and bisexual men; both studies hope the findings can be used in new intervention techniques.
7
SEX MATTERS FOR LGBT CANCER PATIENTS
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LGBT folks have poorer health outcomes, including specific cancer related challenges. Sexuality and sexual functioning must be considered for LGBT oncology patients.

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