Health & Wellness
A Compassionate Journey: Advocates for Inclusive End-of-Life Options
The journey towards the end of life is an inevitable part of our human experience. However, the circumstances surrounding this transition can be far from equal, particularly for marginalized communities. We had the opportunity to meet with Meagan Williams, a member of the Communications Team for many national campaigns, including in Minnesota. She connected us…
A Word In Edgewise: Because I’m Not You, Doesn’t Mean I’m Not Me
Reading Alicia Roth Weigel’s Inverse Cowboy (see the “Books” column in this issue) how little many of us not personally in the “I” category of “LGBTQUA+,” know about “Intersex,” not even how many in the general population are affected. Weigel says they’re statistically, “about as common as redheads–about 2% of the world’s population.” Online sources…
Rainbow Health Returns to Downtown Minneapolis
If you’ve been in Minnesota for a bit, you might have heard of Rainbow Health. They’re a non-profit organization advocating for and serving the LGBTQ+ community, including working to end HIV and empowering marginalized groups to lead healthier lives. Rainbow Health was formed through the Minnesota AIDS Project and Rainbow Health Initiative merger, plus a…
Finding Peace Through the Noise, How Hennepin County Helps LGBTQ+ Community With Mental Health
The LGBTQ+ community struggles to attain the mental health care and treatment they need and deserve. With a startling number of anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation introduced into the United States this year, uneasiness stirs in our community, but there are methods we can utilize to mitigate fear and stand up for one another and our…
Resources Specific for Two Spirit, Transgender, and Intersex People in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas
With increased acceptance of gender diversity, more individuals are feeling safe to seek resources regarding their gender identity or intersex experience. Here are some local organizations providing crucial services for all ages. The Family Partnership (Minneapolis, MN) Located in the heart of the Phillips and Powderhorn neighborhoods, The Family Partnership provides culturally relevant mental health…
Rainbow Support Group: An Intersectional Safe Space
“Speaking from personal experience as a member of the LGBTQ community, coming out to family, friends, and coworkers in my 40s was emotional, daunting, and stressful,” says Darolyn Gray, Development Officer at Twin Cities based organization Wingspan. The fear of and potential for negative ramifications after coming out is only compounded for members of the…
Rainbow Health First LGBTQ Organization to Join SAGE
There’s a new partnership in town, and its goal is to improve the lives of LGBTQ older adults. Rainbow Health and SAGE are thrilled to announce a new partnership that, through knowledge-sharing and advocacy, hopes to address the issues that face this community. “The issues are complex and, in many ways, new to the healthcare…
What To Look For During Prostate Cancer Month
By Paul Mittelstadt, MD As the male population ages, the concerns about prostate cancer risks, diagnosis and treatments become more important. In the male homosexual population, treatment options are a significant concern as our population wishes to continue with long term sexual activity and intimacy. The major risks for prostate cancer are age, being racially…
UnitedHealth Foundation and Rainbow Health Partners on A New Grant For Youth
Healthcare for the LGBTQ population — particularly mental health — can be quite a challenge for individuals and the community as a whole. In fact, a new report from the CDC found that 70% of LGBQ youth (the report did not include data from the transgender population) experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during…
