This non-profit was conceived by and for the Pittsburgh LGBTQ community. There is a deep need for nutrition and lifestyle wellness-based programs designed specifically for the LGBTQ population. This organization was created to advocate for our well-being. We aim to better educate and guide LGBTQ individuals towards healthy lifestyle choices in a safe atmosphere tailored to the needs of our communi
ty. This program will provide various nutrition, physical activity, and self-care presentations, literature and handouts, group support sessions, and private counseling that is specialized for our population. All are welcome! We only ask you come with an open mind, heart, and a supportive spirit. STATEMENT OF NEED
When it comes to health services, it is no secret that the LGBTQ community is a marginalized population. Le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender, and q***r (LGBTQ) individuals often face challenges and barriers to accessing needed health services and, as a result, can experience worse health outcomes. These challenges can include stigma, discrimination, violence, and rejection by families and communities, as well as other barriers, such as inequality in the workplace and health insurance sectors, the provision of substandard care, and outright denial of care because of an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity (Kates et. al, 2015). Because of these reasons and the like, members of the LGBTQ population are 29% more likely to delay or not seek medical attention at all (Krehely, 2009). Which is very unfortunate for these individuals, because on a whole they experience greater need. Statistically, women are more likely to be obese than men (WHO, 2015), and le****ns are fifty percent more likely to be overweight or obese than their heterosexual counterparts (Boehmer et al., 2007). Uncoincidentally, Conron et al. (2009) points out that homosexual women are the most likely to report multiple risks for cardiovascular disease related to their weight issues. Furthermore, research shows that beginning as early as twelve years of age, gay, le***an and bisexual teens may be at higher risk of binge-eating and purging than their heterosexual peers (NEDA, 2015), with multiple studies confirming that gay and bisexual males are at far higher risk for clinical or subclinical eating disorders than heterosexual males (Feldman and Meyer, 2007). Additionally, eating disorders have the highest death rate of any mental disorder, and can cause other serious issues such as malnutrition, heart disease, bone density loss, obesity, type 2 diabetes and GERD. Not to mention that The National Transgender Discrimination Survey reports that Transgender and gender non-conforming people frequently experience discrimination when accessing health care, whether seeking preventive medicine, routine and emergency care, or transgender-related services (Grant, Mottet, Tanis, 2010). 19% reported refusal of care based on their transgender or gender non-conforming status. 28% reported harassment in medical settings, and an astounding 50% reported having to teach their medical providers about transgender care. Finally, LGBTQ individuals are more likely to be dependent on alcohol, to***co, or drugs (Mayer et. al, 2008), which inevitably leads to a worse standard of living. Eliminating some of the barriers to health, and operating inclusive programs focusing on LGBTQ specific wellness will greatly decrease the health disparities. We can't fix the whole system, but we can do our part to help where we can. Nutrition. Physical Activity. Mindfulness. Community. Wellness.
