Thanks to everyone who attended the April 11, 2008 conference, and to all of the volunteers, speakers and donors who helped make it a success. Planning for the 2009 conference is under way. We are now accepting proposals for presentations and workshops. Professionals from health and social services fields who have experience working with LGBTQ patients and clients are invited to apply. To submit a proposal, please download the WorkshopProposalForm or contact Alison Goldstein alison.j.goldstein@co.multnomah.or.us for more information.

Please check back in January for more details.

The LGBTQ Meaningful Care Conference

is a key local effort to improve the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people (LGBTQ) by training health professionals how to work effectively with LGBTQ patients.

What Will I Learn?

In this day-long event you'll learn what you can do to improve access issues that keep LGBTQ from seeking care and increase your competency for working with LGBTQ patients.

LGBTQ Health Crisis

LGBTQ people face a variety of barriers to health care. Many are reluctant to seek care or may withhold personal information from providers due to homophobia, transphobia and discrimination. LGBTQ people also face disadvantages in obtaining medical insurance for partners and family compared to heterosexual couples.

These barriers lead to poorer health outcomes for LBGTQ. For example:

• LGBTQ youth are more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to be victimized in school and to attempt suicide.
• Gay men and lesbian women are at increased risk for lung, cervical, breast and anal cancers.
• HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately impact LGBTQ populations, particularly men of color, transgender persons, and injection drug users.