Historically, the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities in America have been dismissed in the US Census, lumped into the category of “white.” This oversight has resulted in insufficient federal funding and a lack of acknowledgment as a marginalized group. In addition to these challenges, MENA communities face discrimination, fear of violence, language barriers, and religious obstacles, contributing to significant health disparities and barriers in accessing mental health services. For those within MENA communities who also identify as LGBTQ+, these barriers are exacerbated, leading to even more pronounced health inequities.
A study conducted by the Trevor Project on Middle Eastern and North African LGBTQ+ young people reported that more than one in five MENA LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in 2022 and had greater odds of experiencing anxiety, depression, and self-harm in comparison to their non-MENA peers. For people who had a therapist, more than one in three felt that their therapist did not understand their racial/ethnic backgrounds.
In this episode, we connect with leaders on how to address the unique barriers MENA LGBTQ+ communities face and how to curb health disparities.
Panelists include:
- Sarah Abboud, PhD, RN (she/her) – Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago College of Nursing
- Hazem Alanani, MHA (he/him) – Tarab NYC Board Member
- Hooriya Hussain (she/her) – Global Life Sciences Marketing Leader, National Board of Governors at Human Rights Campaign
- John Sovec, LMFT (he/him) – OutTalk Moderator & Host, Therapist – Coach – Speaker – Author of “Out: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Kid Through Coming Out and Beyond”
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding MENA: Grasp the meaning and diversity within MENA, SWANA, and META. Recognize the impact of colonial perspectives on MENA identities.
- LGBTQ+ and MENA Intersectionality: Explore the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in MENA communities. Understand the intersection of cultural, religious, and sexual identities.
- Healthcare Access Challenges: Identify barriers to culturally and gender-affirming healthcare for MENA LGBTQ+ individuals. Learn about the impact of generational trauma and current conflicts on health.
- Practical Strategies for Providers: Discover actionable steps for healthcare providers to support MENA LGBTQ+ patients. Create resource lists and guides for affirming care.
- Promoting Visibility and Advocacy: Understand the importance of advocacy in increasing visibility and inclusion. Learn about organizations and support groups for MENA LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Vision for Inclusive Healthcare: Envision a future with accessible, discrimination-free healthcare for MENA LGBTQ+ individuals. Integrate intersectional understanding in healthcare education and practice.
Tune in to new OutTalk Webinar Series episodes on the third Thursday of each month at 6 PM ET (3 PM PT).
