Friend:

It’s been two weeks since the release of The Report of the 2019 Southern LGBTQ Health Survey, and in that time, the findings have reached folks across the South and the country. We’ve been hearing from healthcare facilities and health service providers, advocates on the ground, reporters, LGBTQ Southerners, and even presidential candidates – all motivated to take action. 

The survey report tells the stories of 5,617 individual respondents – but beyond that, it tells one overarching story: Many LGBTQ Southerners are experiencing health disparities, and it’s up to ALL of us to come together, tackle these challenges, and build a South where everyone has access to quality, affirming care. 

That story is central to the mission of the Southern LGBTQ Health Initiative, a partnership with Western NC Community Health Services. I’m very hopeful about our LGBTQ health equity work in 2020. We have exciting plans in the works for new community-based research, fresh partnerships with grassroots groups, and innovative trainings with healthcare providers. 

Another thing that makes me hopeful? A generous donor just offered to match every dollar donated to fund health work in the South, up to $18,000! Will you help reach the goal? Click here to give $100, $50, $25, or whatever amount you can. Even $3 goes a long way. 

In these first two weeks of the Southern LGBTQ Health Survey rollout we’ve heard heartbreaking stories from LGBTQ folks who have seen their negative healthcare experiences mirrored in the report. But we’ve also heard from LGBTQ people who are getting the health care they need, and deserve.

Change is happening. But it needs to happen faster – and it needs to reach everyone. That means reducing the gap in positive experiences between cisgender and transgender Southerners. It means targeted interventions to address the alarmingly high HIV rate among Black survey respondents. It means training providers so that no LGBTQ person feels they have to educate their own doctor to get the care they need.

There’s a lot of work to do, and with your help, we can do more of it across the board in the smartest, most strategic ways we can. Can you contribute? Join this matching gift challenge by donating $100, $50, $25, or any amount – every dollar up to $18,000 will be matched immediately. 

Thank you,
Jasmine Beach-Ferrara
Campaign for Southern Equality