Myths, Stigmas, and Barriers in LGBTQ+ Health
Myth or Fact? "Straight" people don't have to worry about HIV infection.
This is a myth. Misinformation about LGBTQ+ health issues contributes to biases against the community, creates confusion over important health questions, and can even prevent some from seeking health care when needed. The more we know about our health, the more empowered we can become to make informed health decisions that affect us daily. Join us as we confront, dispel, and correct common LGBTQ+ health myths and discuss what everyone can do to help eradicate barriers to inclusive medical treatment and ensure representation in health research for all.
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Meet the panelists
University of Arizona
Dr. Amanda Sokan is an assistant professor in the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, with a joint appointment in Internal Medicine, UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, previously serving as director of the Executive M.S. in Clinical and Translational Science program, University of Arizona Health Sciences, and regional associate director of the All of Us Research Program. Dr. Sokan’s work focuses on aging and the factors that affect overall wellbeing in the older adult population: elder abuse and mistreatment, healthcare navigation, cultural competence, elder rights, and more. In 2020, Dr. Sokan was named the Arizona Geriatrics Society’s “Gerontologist of the Year,” in part due to her advocacy of aging issues as they relate to the LGBTQ+ community.
Aunt Rita's Foundation
Jimmy Thomason is the executive director of the Aunt Rita’s Foundation, an organization “dedicated to the elimination of, and suffering from, HIV and AIDS” (Aunt Rita’s Foundation). Jimmy’s previous experience includes work as the Vice President of Global Human Resources at Bank of America, in human resources for Hilton Hotels, and assistant to the CEO at The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona. Throughout his career, Jimmy has served in multiple advocacy roles for the LGBTQ+ community and has earned awards for his volunteer work from organizations like Southwest Center, one-n-ten, Phoenix Pride, Aunt Rita’s Foundation, and more.
Missed our Previous Webinar?
Represent: LGBTQ+ Health Matters Webinar
All LGBTQ+ Americans deserve to be seen, heard, and understood— especially when it comes to medical research. Join us for a virtual discussion exploring how the lack of LGBTQ+ representation impacts overall health. We will discuss the consequences that this lack of research has on physical and mental health, provide useful talking points to discuss with your healthcare provider, and share how you can help make a difference for your own health, and the future health of the entire LGBTQ+ community, through medical research that includes everyone.
