OutTalk is a series dedicated to discussing important topics in LGBTQ+ communities. This series focuses on diversity and intersectionality, bringing together providers, educators, patients/clients, community members, individuals, organizations, partners, and collaborators. OutTalk aims to address barriers and gaps in care and services through critical and innovative thinking and education.
OutTalk Series
Addressing barriers and gaps in care and services through critical and innovative thinking.
What is OutTalk?
Upcoming OutTalks
Fit and Fabulous: More than Just a Trip to the Gym – August 18th, 2022 | 6 pm EDT
Did you know that less than 5% of adults exercise for at least 30 minutes a day? 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, we will hear from diverse panelists about their fitness journey, supportive resources, and methods to foster health and inclusivity.
Featured Panelists
- Rob Kearney (he/him), American Professional Strongman, Giants Live Champion, Arnold International World Series Champion
- Bucky Motter (he/him/his), Competitor, Judge, International Association of Trans Bodybuilders & Powerlifters , Executive Director
- Madison Hamilton (she/her/hers), GLSEN, Director of Communications & Public Voice
Coming Soon
- September 15 – Bisexuality & Pansexuality: Love Unrestricted | 6 p.m. EDT
Past OutTalks
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, we 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 we 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.
Testimonials
“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.”
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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!
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