July 2, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Protecting the Health of the LGBTQ+ Community: 3 Things You Can Do

The LGBTQ+ community celebrated their shared and lived experience this June during Pride Month.  While the LGBTQ+ experience varies from individual to individual and from generation to generation, one constant remains – the importance of protecting health. 

“We celebrate Pride because we are proud of who we are, what we have accomplished and where we are heading in advancing health equity,” says Brian Hujdich, executive director of the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health. “Part of protecting health – for ourselves and for the community – is focusing on prevention.”

Following are three important preventive health measures to take not only during Pride season, but all year long.  

Prevent infectious diseases

Mpox has remained a public health threat since it first captured headlines in 2022. Infections in the United States are more than double those reported at this time last year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – and a surge in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo could lead to further escalation globally. 

A virus similar to smallpox, mpox can affect anyone. However, the recent outbreak predominantly affected the LGBTQ+ community, underscoring the need for prevention. According to the CDC, mpox is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact and people most at risk include gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender or nonbinary people. Sixty percent of the at-risk population remains unvaccinated, and 15% have received only one dose of the vaccine, according to the CDC.   To protect themselves, people at risk should ask their healthcare providers or pharmacists for more information and to determine if they should get the vaccine, which is available at physician offices, pharmacies and local health clinics. 

Preventing HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections may be another important issue to discuss with your doctor. Prophylactic medications like PrEP can help prevent HIV infection, while doxycycline can help stop the onset of STDs. 

Engage with your healthcare provider  

Having a provider who is LGBTQ+ culturally competent is just as important as preventive health measures. In fact, studies show that those who aren’t comfortable having open and honest conversations with their provider suffer worse health outcomes than others. You can research a provider’s background and interest in LGBTQ+ health care, and schedule an introductory appointment to meet them and gauge your comfort level.

Protect the community

Having pride in the community means taking steps to protect everyone’s health. Mpox serves as a case in point. If enough people are vaccinated, viruses may have limited opportunities to infect new people, ultimately often posing less threat to the community overall. Conversely, if a virus is left unchecked, it can mutate; it may also grow in strength or in transmissibility and put more people at risk. 

It’s important to remember the power of community and conversation. Discuss these health topics with your friends, ask each other questions, and raise awareness. As you continue to celebrate Pride all year long, focus on protecting your health using the tools available to you.

For more information about protecting your health, visit the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health: https://healthlgbtq.org/mpox/

“The LGBTQ+ community has a legacy of quickly and collectively adapting to health concerns,” says Hujdich. “Being proactive in protecting your well-being allows you the freedom to fully enjoy yourself during Pride, throughout the summer, and all year long.”

This article is sponsored by Bavarian Nordic.

in NEWS
Related Posts

Top Military Commander Urges Return of Troops Deployed to ICE Protest Response

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

General Requests 200 National Guard Soldiers Be Returned to California Wildfire Unit The senior U.S. military officer overseeing federal forces...

(Video) Los Angeles County Supervisor from the 2nd district, Holly J. Mitchel, Gives a Powerful Speech

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Supervisor Mitchell Called on Residents to take action at the rally for Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano in Culver City.

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Parents Opposed to LGBTQ Books in Schools

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Decision Could Pave Way for More Opt-Out Challenges Across the Country The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that a Maryland...

The Westside Lights Up for July 4: Fireworks, Drone Shows, and Parades Return Across West Los Angeles

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

From Marina Del Rey’s Fireworks to Culver City’s 1980s-Themed Drone Show, Get Ready to Celebrate From fireworks over Marina del...

Tens of Thousands Defy Ban at Budapest Pride as Hungary Cracks Down on LGBTQ+ Rights

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Marchers Risk Fines and Jail Under New Law Targeting LGBTQ+ Gatherings Tens of thousands marched through the streets of Budapest...

California Judge Rules FAIR Plan’s Smoke Damage Policy Unlawful

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Court Says Wildfire Insurance Program Illegally Denied Claims Legal protections for California homeowners took a step forward this week after...

(Video) Culver City Residents and City and County Leaders Rally for Disappeared Ice Cream Man Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

US Representative for California’s 37th Congressional District, Sydney Kamlager-Dove Speaks About What is happening to the disappeared.

Drake Slashes Price on Beverly Hills Estate to $79 Million Amid Market Slowdown

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Price Cut Adds to a Broader Retreat From His Los Angeles Real Estate Holdings. Musician Drake has reduced the price...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

Cinespia Brings Fireworks and Fan Favorites to Hollywood Forever This July

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Watch Top Gun, La La Land, and More Under the Stars at Hollywood Forever Cinespia, Los Angeles’ iconic outdoor movie...

LGBTQ State Senator Scott Wiener Signals Bid to Succeed Pelosi in Congress

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Wiener Files Paperwork to Run for California’s 11th District in 2028 State Sen. Scott Wiener, a prominent Democrat representing San...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Corporate Pride Pullback: Major Brands Scale Down LGBTQ+ Support Under Trump’s Second Term

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Mastercard, Target, and Others Retreat From High-Profile Campaigns as Federal Policy Shifts Shifts in federal policy under President Donald Trump’s...

Community Seeks Answers After SF Drag Performer Detained by ICE

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Hilary Rivers Vanished After a Scheduled Immigration Appointment Members of San Francisco’s queer and trans communities gathered outside the local...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...