By: Jerry P. Abraham, MD MPH CMQ
Photo by: Volodymyr Tverdokhlib | Dreamstime.com
Tips and Lessons for Life and Health
As the calendar turns to a new year, it’s an opportunity to reflect, reset, and recharge. For LGBTQ+ folks, navigating the challenges of life—from personal health to political landscapes—requires intention and resilience. With ongoing attacks on trans rights, immigrant communities, and reproductive justice, it’s more important than ever to protect your well-being and empower yourself and your community!
Take Charge of Your Health!
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Start the year by making sure your health insurance meets your needs. Whether you’re insured through your employer, the marketplace, or another avenue, take time to understand your coverage—especially for mental health services, gender-affirming care, and reproductive health. For those without insurance, check out local LGBTQ+ organizations or community clinics that may offer low-cost or sliding-scale services. Programs like Medi-Cal or other California-based initiatives may also be available to you.
Prepare an Advance Directive
Advance directives and living wills aren’t just for older adults; they’re essential for everyone. This legal document ensures your medical wishes are respected if you’re unable to communicate them. For LGBTQ+ folks, it’s especially critical to designate someone you trust as your healthcare proxy—someone who understands and will advocate for your identity and needs. Many LGBTQ+ organizations offer resources to guide you through creating one. All it takes is one car accident or an emergency, so get your documents in order!
Navigating Political Stress
With ongoing attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, trans identities, immigrant communities, Black and Brown communities, and reproductive autonomy, the political climate can feel overwhelming. As news cycles highlight these issues, it’s essential to find ways to process the emotions that arise.
Acknowledge the Reality, Protect Your Peace
It’s valid to feel anger, fear, or frustration in the face of injustice. Acknowledge those feelings, but set boundaries to protect your mental health. This might mean limiting time spent on social media or consuming news only from trusted sources during specific times of the day.
Take Action
Channel your emotions into advocacy. Whether attending a rally, donating to organizations fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, or simply having conversations with friends and family, activism can be a powerful way to reclaim a sense of agency. Your voice matters, and collective action has historically driven change in our community.
Building Resilience Through Community
The strength of the LGBTQ+ community lies in its diversity and solidarity. This year, make a commitment to nurture those connections.
Find Your Support System
Lean on chosen family, friends, or LGBTQ+ groups to share your experiences and find solidarity. Virtual communities can also provide valuable support, particularly if local resources are limited.
Celebrate Your Identity
Take time to affirm and celebrate who you are. Whether through attending LGBTQ+ events, embracing creative expression or simply spending time with those who understand your journey, make space for joy and pride!
Prioritize Self-Care
In times of stress, self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Incorporate practices that nurture both your physical and mental well-being:
• Move Your Body: Regular exercise boosts mood and energy levels. Choose activities that bring you joy, whether it’s yoga, dancing, or hiking.
• Eat Well and Rest: Nourish your body with healthy meals and prioritize good sleep hygiene. Both are foundational to overall health.
• Set Boundaries: Protect your energy by saying no to activities or relationships that drain you. Take breaks from social media or conversations that don’t serve your peace.
• Seek Therapy: A mental health professional can help you navigate the complexities of life and identity. If affordability is a concern, look for sliding-scale or LGBTQ+-focused therapy options.
Hope and Advocacy for the Future
Even as challenges persist, the LGBTQ+ community’s history of resilience reminds us that progress is possible. By prioritizing your health, building support networks, and taking action, you’re contributing to a brighter future for yourself and others. This new year, let’s commit to caring for ourselves and each other, knowing that our strength lies in our shared journey.
Stay safe, stay empowered, and remember: You’re not alone. We’re all here for each other! Here’s to another year of growth, resilience, love, and hope! Happy New Year!
Remember: you can visit Dr. Jerry Abraham and the JWCH-Wesley Street Medicine Team at the Tempo Nightclub every Sunday night! Come get HIV tested, PrEP’d, and all your questions answered!