OutTalk is a forum for LGBTQ+ healthcare leaders, educators, and community members to come together and engage in meaningful discussions about important topics in LGBTQ+ health equity. Through an intersectional lens, this series aims to address barriers and gaps in care and services, promoting innovative thinking and education to improve healthcare outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities.
OutTalk Webinar Series
Addressing barriers and gaps in care and services through critical and innovative thinking.
What is OutTalk?
Upcoming OutTalks
Access to Care for LGBTQ+ Communities: HIV & AIDS – January 18th, 2023 @6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT)
Featured Panelists
To be announced.
Featured Organizations
To be announced.
Testimonials
“As a psychiatrist, OutCare Health has helped me to be more understanding and unobtrusively open to learn what is concerning my patients about their sexuality/gender identity or other LGBTQA+ issues, especially your panel discussion about trans and non-binary people’s issues.”
“I attended a phenomenal lecture that I happened to fall upon by chance. Halfway through the hour, I signed up for OutCare’s emails and upcoming series. They provided resources and partnerships that I had been needing. It was a privilege to hear the panelists’ individual experiences and to learn from their work. I highly recommend everyone, from parents trying to understand their children to healthcare providers with years of experience, attend these lectures. Thank you for the work you all do.”
“Resources are the pathway to empowerment. I really enjoy the OutTalk and am grateful for the opportunity to attend. John is a great facilitator/host and always asks just the right questions.”
“Listened to my first ( but it won’t be my last!) Out Talk and it was outstanding on Family Acceptance. A ton of resources were shared which will be so helpful to my Trans Youth Mentoring and Family/Caregiver group newly formed in our private practice in Hartford, CT. Thank you so much!”
“The trainings are helpful. It helps me to stay current with issues impacting the LGBTQIA community and do a better job with our service provision. My company is a strong supporter of the LGBTQIA community. We have a significant number of employees from this community, who provide outpatient mental health for youth who identify in the LGBTQIA community and are actively recruiting foster homes that will accept youth from this community. Of course, we offer foster parents who are LGBTQIA the opportunity to foster and adopt children in need. Thank you for what you do.”
“Great event and panel. A considerable amount of knowledge and experience was shared. A nice opportunity to learn about other organizations and the networking opportunities.”
“As both a registered nurse and the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Alzheimer’s Association this webinar provided valuable and meaningful insight on some of the health-related conversations needed in ALL communities. We all know this is not a 1 class 1 conversation process, so thank you for providing a platform for the necessary conversations to begin, exist, and continue.”
“I appreciate the information and candid and honest conversations shared in these sessions. As an ally, it helps to understand the perspective of the LGBTQ+ community and how they are impacted day to day.”
“I am new to this platform. I saw it advertised either on Instagram or Facebook. I enjoyed the Fit and Fabulous talk. I am non-binary trans-masculine, and following my top surgery, I have been more seriously focused on weightlifting and bodybuilding. I am 66 years old and transitioned almost 4 years ago. I am also focused on keeping my strength and health as I age! I have also listened to the “Non-binary” talk. I especially related to Aidan’s comment of being often gendered male but non-binary in their heart. That has been helpful in my daily “human encounters,” as I am mostly gendered male and present masculine, yet don’t completely identify as a man. I have always felt I was a “person” first and always, and this gender stuff has been difficult at times. Anyhow, I look forward to listening to more of your talks. Thanks for being a positive resource out there. Where I live (in Western Canada) is hugely conservative, and there are not many groups or resources, at least not that I have found so far, especially being an older trans person.”
“Becoming a volunteer for OutCare Health, I was not expecting the impact it would have on me personally and on my medical education. Being able to organize the OutTalks has shown me how needed these conversations pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community are to promote a more accepting and loving nation and it provides so many resources available! I found being a part of this organization to be so rewarding that I knew I had to become a team member!”
“Mostly, I have watched OutTalks and find them to be very informative for me, especially about what it is like for actual people who live with the challenges of being Trans and those of living with AIDS. I do not personally know very many Trans people or people living with AIDS, or rather may not know them well enough for them to tell me about these issues for them, so these OutTalks are a great opportunity to hear the panelists share their experiences and their feelings about them. I gain a much more multidimensional empathy for the panelists with each OutTalk.”
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Submit an OutTalk Topic
Do you have a compelling LGBTQ+ healthcare topic in mind that we should address? Would you like to be involved in a future talk? Drop us a line and we can collaborate!
Past OutTalks
Gender Affirmation: A Social & Medical Lens
Gender affirmation is the process an individual goes through when they begin to live as their authentic gender rather than that presumed at birth. This process can include all or any combination of social, medical, and legal affirmation. State legislatures, governors, and administrative agencies across the country are taking steps to eliminate access to gender affirming care and services. In this episode of OutTalk, we hear from a diverse array of guests as they offer unique perspectives on the importance of gender affirmation. Our guests cover why they believe gender affirmation is crucial to the well-being of gender diverse individuals and what gender affirmation may look like inside and outside of the healthcare setting. Panelists include Celeste Nagy, MD (she/her) – Board Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon; Liam C. Hein PhD, RN, FAAN (he/him) – Board Member & Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina; Julius Joi Johnson-Weaver, MD (he/they) – Founder and Lead Family Physician, Resolve MD Primary Care; and Tori Gleason, DC (she/her) – Clinical Analyst at LMH Health, OutCare Board Member, & Moderator.
Kink Affirming Conversations
Many people practice kink as part of their sexual lives, yet healthcare practitioners are rarely given specific training or information about this often misunderstood aspect of sexuality. Kink, otherwise known as BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Sadism, and Masochism), is a form of sex play that involves power, sensation, and or/fetish. The kink community often faces unjust stigma and discrimination, resulting in a hesitancy to share important information with their medical and mental healthcare professionals. Studies indicate that less than 40% of kink community members disclose their sexual behaviors to their medical care practitioners out of fear of stigma and misinterpretation. And about 11% of kink community members report having experienced discrimination from either a medical or mental healthcare provider. In this episode, we dive into the challenges faced by the kink community, the intersectionality between the kink community and other marginalized communities, and explore how healthcare providers can become more affirming and inclusive by discussing kink activities with their clients in a culturally competent manner. Panelists include (Susan) Hope Dundas, MSBS, PA-C, Amy Jacobs, LMSW, Richard Sprott, PhD, and John Sovec, LMFT, Moderator & Host.
Access to Care for LGBTQ+ Communities of Color (Part II): Latinx
In this episode, we turn our attention to Latinx communities. It is a stark reality that LGBTQ+ Latinx individuals are three times less likely to possess health insurance and demonstrate significantly lower rates of healthcare utilization. Latinx LGBTQ+ adults face disparities in mental and physical health such as depression, asthma, and chronic health conditions. These disparities stem from various factors, with one prominent cause being the fear of discrimination or the presence of cultural and language barriers. Studies reveal widespread discrimination experienced by transgender and gender non-conforming people across the board. In this OutTalk, our panelists engage in an interactive discussion, shedding light on these unique challenges and offering guidance for achieving equitable and inclusive care. Panelists include Carlos Salama, MD, ID Attending and Chief of Global Health, Elmhurst Hospital Center (NYC) Professor of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Priscilla María Gutiérrez, J.D., Certified Trauma Recovery Coach and Founder of the Cycle Breakers Club; Juan Carlos Venis, MD, MPH, FAAFP, Medical Director for Primary Care, Damien Center; and John Sovec, LMFT, OutTalk Moderator & Host.
Stop the Bans: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Healthcare
This year, an unprecedented surge of anti-LGBTQ+ policies, bills, and laws is wreaking havoc on education, healthcare, and all aspects of LGBTQ+ freedom. From mandating teachers to report pronoun and name changes to banning gender-affirming care and LGBTQ+ inclusive books and even prohibiting public accommodations, these measures represent a significant setback for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity. The consequences of these bans are dire, not only impacting the mental and physical well-being of LGBTQ+ communities but also affecting their loved ones and youth exploring their identities and sexualities. In this OutTalk, community leaders from Tennessee, Indiana, and Kansas have a crucial discussion shedding light on the unforeseen repercussions of these harmful policies. Features Phil Coubucci, Founder and Executive Director of Inclusion Tennessee; Emma J. Vosicky, JD, MAT, Executive Director of GenderNexus; Tori Gleason, DC, Clinical Analyst & OutCare Board Member; and John Sovec, LMFT, OutTalk Moderator & Host.
Being Out in Corporate America
The obstacles that LGBTQ+ individuals face in achieving a healthy work-life balance are often more significant than those faced by their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. Often, LGBTQ+ workers feel unwelcome, invalidated, or misunderstood. While many companies claim to prioritize diversity, inclusion, and equity, it’s worth considering how much has actually changed for LGBTQ+ workers. This thought-provoking episode of OutTalk discusses the unique challenges of being out in Corporate America. Our panelists will share their experiences of navigating the workplace as LGBTQ+ individuals, offer resources for those who may feel isolated or unsupported at work, and provide tips on how to foster open and affirming work relationships. Featuring: Arya Marvazy, Senior Director of Programs at Jews of Color Initiative, Kristina Padilla, VP of Strategic Development and Education at California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals, Gina Debogovich, Digital Leader, Innovator & Implementer formerly at Optum, Amazon, and Best Buy, and John Sovec, LMFT, OutTalk moderator & host.
The Journey to LGBTQ+ Advocacy & Leadership
LGBTQ+ communities have achieved significant progress thanks to the tireless efforts of advocates and leaders who have championed their cause. Their unwavering commitment has not only created positive changes on a large scale but also served as a reminder to everyone that they are not alone and their voice matters. However, becoming an advocate or leader in LGBTQ+ communities can be a challenging and uncertain journey, especially in healthcare. In this episode, we are fortunate to have a panel of exceptional guests who share their personal stories about how they began their journey and navigated the road to LGBTQ+ advocacy and leadership. They also highlight valuable resources that can help others who are ready to take the first step towards advocacy and leadership in healthcare and other areas. Featuring: Tavi Hawn, LCSW
Co-Founder of Queer Oriented Radical Days of Summer (QORDS), Eden Mayle, Field Manager at The Leadership LAB and Benjamin Brooks, Associate Director of Policy and Education at Whitman-Walker.
Advancing LGBTQ+ Mental Health Awareness
Join us in this eye-opening episode of OutTalk as we delve into the critical issues of mental health in LGBTQ+ communities. Did you know that LGBTQ+ individuals are more than twice as likely to experience mental health conditions compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers? Shockingly, LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide. These concerning disparities are due to a variety of factors, including discrimination and lack of social support. In this episode, we have a diverse panel who share their experiences and perspectives on mental health. Whether you’re struggling with a diagnosed condition or simply trying to navigate the complexities of life, our panelists will provide valuable tips and resources to help you embrace your best self and prepare providers to ask the right questions. Featuring Jemm Feder, CMA, GAL, NCCPSS, Duke Healthcare Gender Affirming Clinic; Scott Bertani, Director of Advocacy with National Coalition for LGBTQ Health; Pat Aussem, LPC, MAC, Partnership to End Addiction.
Access to care for LGBTQ+ Communities of Color (Part I): Black
In this three-part series, we focus on various communities that continue to face disparities in healthcare and beyond. About 40% of LGBTQ+ adults in the United States are people of color, including 12% who identify as Black. Measures of economic and social vulnerability, including employment, income level, food insecurity, physical and mental health, discrimination, and others, reveal that LGBTQ+ Black Americans fare worse than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. The notable disparities in economic security and health outcomes indicate a critical need for policies and service interventions that address the unique needs of Black LGBTQ+ adults. In this OutTalk, you will hear from amazing panelists about their experiences, thoughts, and organizations that can provide tips and guidance for providing equitable care.
Understanding SUD Disparities Among LGBTQ+ People
The prevalence and risk of substance use disorders in the LGBTQ+ community are significantly higher compared to counterpart communities. This is for many reasons, including higher victimization rates and mental illness. Unfortunately, these risks are intensified by a hesitancy to reach out to healthcare providers due to fear of discrimination and misunderstanding. Substance use is much more complex than medications, and it is essential to hear personal stories and experiences to nurture an understanding and empathetic treatment course. In this OutTalk, you will hear from panelists about their experience with substance use and the resources ready to help!
World AIDS Day: Looking Forward, Looking Back
Over 1 million people in the United States have HIV, with the LGBTQ+ population being one of the most severely affected populations. Still, with so many people affected, HIV and AIDS are extremely difficult topics to talk about with loved ones, friends, and even one’s healthcare providers. To further complicate the conversation, there is a misunderstanding and perhaps a lack of understanding of PrEP and PEP, both highly effective treatments for preventing HIV. These factors ultimately can result in isolation from others which is devastating to one’s mental health. In this OutTalk, you will hear from panelists about ways to facilitate an open conversation and the hope for what lies ahead!
Feeling Gender Euphoric
It can be common for people to confuse sex, gender, and gender identity. But they’re all different things. Gender is often categorized into man and woman based on the sex assigned at birth, but gender is never that simple. Gender is a spectrum. Discrimination, violence, stigma, and social determinants of health significantly affect the physical, mental, and behavioral health of transgender adults compared to their cisgender counterparts. There is so much emphasis on gender dysphoria that it’s easy to forget that gender euphoria is just as vital and present. If gender dysphoria is the dark cloud over our heads, gender euphoria is the sunbeams that warm our skin. It’s the rosy light inside us that we feel when we are seen and loved. In this OutTalk, you will hear from diverse panelists about their journeys and supportive resources. Features Erica Woodland, Executive Director & Founder of National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color Network (NQTTCN), Shane Henise, Patient Navigator of Gender Care Services at the Children’s National Hospital, Alleria Stanley, Communications Director at SPARTA, A Transgender Military Advocacy Organization, and John Sovec, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & OutTalk Moderator.
When Someone Comes Out
The process of coming out can be scary, confusing, beautiful, and unique. Unfortunately, many people in LGBTQ+ communities continue to face rejection, shame, and even expulsion from their families. Coming out in healthcare settings can be even more daunting. Surveys consistently show that many LGBTQ+ patients are not open about their identities with healthcare providers due to fear, mistrust, and discrimination, ultimately leading to poor health outcomes. While coming out is always a personal journey, being open and honest with your providers may be critical in managing your health. In this OutTalk, you will hear from voices about their coming out experiences, supportive resources, and how we all can foster welcoming spaces to come out. Featuring Tori Gleason, OutCare Board Member, Kenya “Garçon” Hutton: Deputy Director of the Center for Black Equity, and Bria Brown-King: Engagement Director at interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth.
Bisexuality & Pansexuality: Love Unrestricted
Attractions are beautiful and diverse. Every entity in life is on a spectrum, especially sexual orientation. The most common identities in LGBTQ+ communities are bisexuality and pansexuality. Unfortunately, many people who are bisexual and pansexual face stigma and discrimination, such as microaggressions, which lead to high rates of healthcare disparities. Yet these identities are rarely publicly visible and celebrated. In this OutTalk, you will hear from panelists about their identities and experiences as well as supportive resources. We will support and love all identities across the spectra. Featuring: – Rabbi Debra Kolodny, Executive Director of the Lander-Grinspoon Academy – Stara Shakti, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LA Bi Task Force Representative – Tangela Roberts, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Counseling Education and Psychology
Fit & Fab: More Than Just a Trip to the Gym
Did you know that less than 5% of adults exercise for at least 30 minutes daily? Whether you are beginning or continuing your health journey, the decision to go to the gym, become a competitor, or eat healthier can be difficult for emotional reasons, including fear of judgment, personal reasons, and, unfortunately, current rules that may exist. Yes, exercising and eating healthier foods have many health benefits but can also improve mental well-being and inherently forms a sense of community and inclusivity. On the other side, fitness and health can also be taken to the extreme and manifest in unhealthy forms. This concept of promoting mental, emotional, and physical health alongside inclusivity in fitness should be at the forefront of conversation, especially for LGBTQ+ communities. In this OutTalk, you will hear from diverse panelists about their fitness journey, supportive resources, and methods to foster health and inclusivity.
Nonbinary: Beyond the Blue and Pink
Society oftentimes oversimplifies gender into 2 terms; men and women, meanwhile there are many people who do not feel their identity can be simply restricted by these 2 words, which doesn’t allow them the freedom to express themselves however they choose. But the path to this awareness can be confusing, difficult, and isolating. There needs to be more widespread understanding about this topic to move away from the assumption of cisgender or one’s pronouns. In this OutTalk, you will hear from voices across the country about identifying as nonbinary, supportive resources, and how you can help to create a safe space for family or colleagues on this journey.
Pride, Politics, & Empowerment
Pride Month is a celebration of diverse people and experiences. While we reflect on the triumphs of the past, we acknowledge the world today. Certain climates are unfortunately attempting to eliminate abortion rights, gender diverse existences, and gender affirming care. These events affect all of us and our Pride. In this OutTalk, we heard from those standing out against these injustices including Nicholas E. Grant, Ph.D., ABPP (he/him) President of the GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality, Morissa Ladinsky, MD (she/her) Associate Professor of Pediatrics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Cathryn Oakley (she/her) State Legislative Director and Senior Counsel, Human Rights Campaign.
Travel with Pride
Whether we choose to go, or have to go — for business, family, or other reasons— LGBTQ+ travelers face additional layers of complexity when travel can be challenging and stressful under the best of circumstances. And while travel has inherent risks for everyone, LGBTQ+people face additional risks — particularly in places where sexual orientation or gender identity are criminalized or marginalized, but even in places where laws protect and recognize their equal rights. In this OutTalk, you will hear from voices across the country about why it is important for LGBTQ+ people to have safe, welcoming spaces, and how LGBTQ+ people can feel affirmed from start to finish and everything in between. Featured panelists include Joey Amato, MBA, LGBTQ Travel Journalist – Pride Journeys (he/him/his) and James Compton, Vice President, Events & Guest Experience, VACAYA (he/him/his). Moderated by John Sovec, Therapy and Counseling for Teens, Individuals and Couples.
Queer Body Experiences
Conversations about the human body are often heteronormative and cisgender/straight-centric. Talking about one’s body and changes can be difficult for many, especially when stigma and preconceptions exist. Diverse and beautiful, LGBTQ+ bodies need more safe spaces to discuss one’s unique and similar journeys. This OutTalk will discuss and celebrate LGBTQ+ body experiences–all colors, shapes, and sizes. Featured panelists include Stacy London, Shop State Of, Bria Brown-King, interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, and Asher Pandjiris, Living in this Queer Body. Moderated by John Sovec, Therapy and Counseling for Teens, Individuals and Couples.
Aging with Pride
LGBTQ+ older adults are often not comfortable being open about who they are because they fear discrimination and mistreatment. In this OutTalk, we will hear from voices and organizations across the country about how we can increase essential health and caregiving services, decrease social isolation and financial insecurities, and address access to aging services for LGBTQ+ older adults. Panelists includes Michele Battle-Fisher, MPH, MA, Equitas Health Institute, John Sovec, MA, LMFT, Bill Sive, Volunteer Education Ambassador for the SAGE National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging and a member of the SAGE LGBTQ+ Aging Roundtable and Yael Wyte, MSW, Program & Education Manager, Alzheimer’s Association California Southland Chapter.
Family Acceptance
Family acceptance, both families of choice and families of origin, are often important support systems for LGBTQ+ people. Family support protects against physical and mental health disparities. Now more than ever. The ongoing COVID pandemic has led to isolation and distress, fragmenting many LGBTQ+ families. In this OutTalk, we will hear from voices across the country about how families can be affirming, build support, and create safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ people including Caitlin Ryan (Family Acceptance Project), Vida Khavar (Family Builders), and Antonia Barba, LCSW.
Understanding the Intersections of Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community
Sexual and domestic violence affects every demographic and every community – including LGBTQ+ people. Yet, as a community, we rarely talk about how violence affects us or what our community’s unique needs are when it comes to preventing sexual assault and supporting and caring for survivors of forms of violence. In this talk, we’ll hear from healthcare workers and community leaders with decades of experience assisting the LGBTQ+ community through these experiences.
The Importance of Mentoring in the LGBTQ+ Community
As LGBTQ+ individuals meet life’s transitions and milestones, they are often faced with exploring how to integrate their LGBTQ+ identity into various new phases in life. No matter the age, seeking and being a mentor to a member of the LGBTQ+ community goes a long way. In this OutTalk, we heard from representatives of various groups and organizations who have been mentoring and coaching in the community for decades.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
One of the most vulnerable populations among the LGBTQ+ community is LGBTQ+ youth. This is especially true when they are not supported by their families. When families are ostracizing or divide over sexual orientation and gender identity, LGBTQ+ youth have a hard time with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, substance use, and mental illness. Positive environments are important to help all youth thrive. This OutTalk will discuss ways to support, protect, and empower our youth featuring Bethany Jones, LMSW, John Sovec, LMFT, Dana Black, Board Member of Trinity Haven Indy, Jacob Rostovsky, Family Therapist, and Teresa Springer Director of Programs, Wellness AIDS Services.
Addressing LGBTQ+ Disparities in Medical Education
In this session, we will discuss the perspectives of medical students, administrative staff, and hear from the American Medical Association (AMA) and Medical Student Pride Alliance (MSPA) to find concrete solutions for LGBTQ+ disparities. Identifying avenues that can decrease these poor social and healthcare encounters may lead to better health outcomes for a substantial number of LGBTQ+ people.
The State of LGBTQ+ Healthcare in Indiana
This talk features former Indiana Health Commissioner and Indiana Gubernatorial Candidate, Dr. Woody Myers in conversation with Senator J.D. Ford, Indiana’s 8th Congressional District candidate, Thomasina Marsili, and President of OutCare Health, Dr. Dustin Nowaskie. The talk will focus on the state of LGBTQ+ healthcare in Indiana with guests from community partner organizations across the state. OutCare does not support or endorse any candidate for political office.
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