Dear Pride Family,
Healthcare is a basic human right—but for too many of us, it’s a source of anxiety, harm, and inequity.
From being misgendered or dismissed, to being denied care altogether, queer and trans people face barriers that make seeking medical attention not only frustrating—but dangerous. Studies show LGBTQIA+ individuals are less likely to be insured and more likely to experience discrimination from medical providers.
In fact, 15% of LGBTQIA+ Americans report postponing or avoiding medical treatment due to discrimination. LGBTQIA+ adults, particularly women, are more likely to face discrimination or unfair treatment in healthcare settings, leading to delays or avoidance of necessary care and nearly 1 in 3 transgender individuals reported being refused care or verbally harassed by a healthcare provider.
Because we are forced to navigate a healthcare system that was not built with us in mind, we know that advocacy doesn’t stop at the ballot box or the parade. It continues in the exam room, the therapy office, and the pharmacy. Despite this continued injustice, we reclaim our power in the questions we ask, the care we demand, and the community we build to ensure that none of us has to face it alone.
Here are some ways from The Center for Transgender Equality to advocate for yourself in a healthcare system that wasn’t designed with LGBTQIA people in mind.
We also want to recognize the work of local LGBTQIA+ health organizations, providers, and clinics who are fighting to change the system every day.
With Pride and Solidarity,
San Diego Pride
San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.
