Each week LGBT HealthLink , a Program of CenterLink, and researcher and blogger Corey Prachniak, bring you a round up of some of the biggest LGBT wellness stories from the past seven days. For more LGBT Wellness, visit a page dedicated to the topic here.
Queer Folks Are Losing Sleep – Literally
Researchers found that queer adults are at higher risk for sleep disturbances, which can prevent someone from getting a full night’s rest. Queer women were even more likely than queer men to wake up during the night. Other health disparities and socioeconomic differences only partially explained the results, meaning queer adults may need targeted assistance to help them rest easy.
Endocrinologists Untrained on Trans Health
Yikes. Researchers found that while most endocrinologists (doctors focused on hormones) have had at least one transgender patient, more than 80 percent never received training on transgender care. Very little of the training that did occur happened at medical schools, with doctors learning more through methods like online trainings, lectures, and continuing education.
Teaching Queer Men on Testicular Cancer
A study of 29 Irishmen found that gay and bi men wanted to learn about testicular cancer in largely the same way as did heterosexual men. Some expressed desire for integrative and inclusive campaigns that targeted all men, while others wanted targeted campaigns for the queer community that build on its strengths (such as male partners getting tested together) and address disparities.
ACA Repeal Could Hurt Queer Community
Broadly opined that repealing the Affordable Care Act – the process for which has already begun in Congress – could disproportionately harm LGBT folks. For example, the ACA expanded coverage of mental health services (which LGBT people disproportionately need) and prohibited discrimination based on sex, which the Obama administration extended to trans folks, as well.
What Trans Youth Think About the Future
A study of trans youth and their families found that there were many barriers to envisioning a happy future, including facing discrimination, denials of civil rights, and dealing with healthcare issues such as insurance and high costs. On the other hand, they were also hopeful that things would change for the better – a reflection of recent advancements in policies and pop culture.
First Trans Inmate Receives Surgery
PBS reported that a California inmate became the first trans person in history to receive trans-affirming surgery during incarceration. The state government settled a lawsuit with the woman in 2015 and laid out a process for trans patients to receive the surgery if doctors deem it medically necessary – the same standard applied for any other medical procedure.