LGBTQIA+ Equity

Shubham Choudhary ’20 is the Founder and CEO of Safe Access, a community-led, non-profit organization that promotes equitable healthcare for LGBTQ+ communities throughout India. Safe Access provides a free and confidential Peer Support Service to strengthen community resources and address the emotional struggles faced by queer and trans individuals because of societal stigma and discrimination.

Gulnar Feerasta '23 led the Queer Living program at The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. Youths aged 14-18 took part in an in-person or virtual series of 11 workshops that covered topics like finance basics, life skills, mental and physical health resources, and civic engagement. After completing the course, participants gained and practiced several essential skills to support them as they start their journey toward independence.

As a clinical psychologist, Nick Grant ’23 understands the importance of finding an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist. However, there is no official credential or standardized educational marker that anyone can attain to qualify as affirming or not. He provides advice on how to find resources that support people’s identities and experiences.

Qusai Hammouri ’21 officially incorporated Pride Ortho as their health equity project to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion in orthopedic surgery. Since then, the initiative has built a growing network of queer orthopedic professionals and allies, advanced DEI efforts across institutions, and created mentorship and leadership opportunities for hundreds of LGBTQ+ trainees, reaching thousands through advocacy, education, and community engagement.

Liam Heim ’20 surveyed older LGBTQ+ adults living in the Southern United States to ask about their expectations of discrimination and their willingness to use long-term care (LTC) services. 78.6% of respondents expected discrimination. Greater anticipation was linked to a stronger preference for LTC services provided by LGBTQ+ organizations or aimed at LGBTQ+ older adults. LTC staff and researchers can develop outreach and policies to safeguard LGBTQ+ residents in LTC.

Shatyam Issur ’23 launched the Inclusive Men’s Advocacy and Rights Alliance in Africa (IMARAA), a bold new initiative by and for Africa’s gay, bi, and queer men. IMARAA aims to foster continental solidarity, promote shared learning, and coordinate advocacy for dignity, health, and human rights.

Jordi Luke ’18 believes in the importance of listening to the communities they visit around the globe. They use that knowledge to help gather supplies and resources to support LGBTQI2S + communities in places such as Cuba, Dubai, Egypt and Mexico, as well as their home in the United States with Haus of Transcendent.

In response to anti-transgender bills in the U.S., Scott Nass ’17 works with interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth to amplify the voices of intersex kids who are fighting for change. He wrote that prioritizing patients means focusing on what they say they need and supporting each patient and their family in ways appropriate for their age.