LGBTQ+ people experience significant health disparities, including obesity, certain diseases, substance use, anxiety, depression, and suicide. We know that many of these health disparities are due to the experiences of stigma and discrimination. This problem is only worsened when discrimination occurs while seeking or receiving health and wellness services. Recent research shows that more than half of all LGBTQ+ people experience some form of discrimination in a healthcare setting. When that happens, they are 3x less likely to return for follow-up care.

In order to combat the mental and physical effects of stigma and discrimination, LGBTQ+ folks need knowledgeable and affirmative health and wellness providers. The doctor’s office, the therapist’s office, and the gym should not be sources of additional stress and stigma.

Urban areas are more likely to have a central directory of businesses that are LGBTQ-friendly or owned. They are also more likely to have numerous LGBTQ-focused health and wellness providers or neighborhoods in which providers and businesses are expected to be such. In Fairfield County, there is not a central directory and there are only a few LGBTQ-focused providers. Most people rely on word of mouth, which can be inefficient or ineffective. In Fairfield County, just like most parts of the country, it is a challenge for LGBTQ+ people to find knowledgeable and affirmative providers.

THE MISSION:

Pride and Wellness was created to address this challenge. Our mission is to highlight those providers in the area who are knowledgeable, affirmative, or even LGBTQ+ themselves. We want these providers to be visible to the community, so that the community can access these services and thrive.

Currently, we plan to highlight these providers in two ways:

1. A second health and wellness fair to be held on August 29, 2021
2. An online directory of the participating providers

Founder & Director

Erica Hartwell is a professor, therapist, and advocate who is passionate about creating community and vitality with LGBTQ+ people. Erica is also a TCC Board Member.

Event:

August 29, 2021 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm  

WAKEMAN’S BOYS & GIRLS CLUB | 385 CENTER ST, SOUTHPORT, CT 06890

FREE PARKING | FREE ADMISSION

Join us for a free, all-inclusive LGBTQ health and wellness fair! Featuring vendors specializing in a wide array of services including reproductive health, personal trainers, massage, primary care, mental health, and more! There will be live demonstrations in this COVID-safe, indoor, wheelchair-accessible event. A must for the whole family!