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Health

Discover the Health section of The Advocate, where readers can find the latest news on medicine, fitness, mental and physical wellbeing, scientific developments, and diseases that affect the LGBT community. Read the most recent on gay health, AIDS and HIV news, pregnancy and sex from experts like doctors and researchers. Learn about news related to health insurance, statistics, changing laws and government policy, and tools that can be used in preventing and curing illnesses in the United States and beyond.

Elizabethtown Kentucky Protesters rally for health care Rainbow lgbtq pride illuminated bridge Ohio River louisville
Politics

Kentucky couldn't pass a single anti-LGBTQ+ bill this session — and it's not alone

"It’s clear that the anti-LGBTQ+ agenda is starting to fail, both in Kentucky and across the country."

Kansas governor Laura Kelly passes law requiring ID to view acts of homosexuality online could include fist bumping queer friends family friendly lgbtq animation Netflix show Dead End Paranormal Park
Politics

Kansas governor passes law requiring ID to view acts of 'homosexuality' online, vetoes anti-LGBTQ+ bill

Kansas will require state-issued ID to view "acts of homosexuality" beginning July 1, which is considered "harmful to minors" under state law.

Cherelle wife Brittney Griner host Queen Latifah speak onstage 54th NAACP Image Awards 2023
Sports

Brittney Griner and her wife Cherelle are expecting! Here's when baby Griner is arriving

Brittney Griner and her wife Cherelle have announced they're expecting, and the couple's "favorite human being" is almost due!

Retired consultant pediatrician Dr Hilary Cass holding digital publication NHS Report Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People The Cass Review Transgender teen with supportive parent
Health

Hilary Cass' NHS report is rife with debunked theories and falsehoods

The recent NHS report from Dr. Hilary Cass isn't the take-down of gender-affirming care that conservatives want it to be.

sexy lesbians in bed experiencing mutual pleasure
News

Lesbians have more orgasms than straight women — and yes, it's men's fault

A new research study is shedding a light on why straight women have fewer orgasms than lesbians — and it's exactly the reason you think.

Bans off our bodies protect abortion sign LGBTQ pride parade celebration States with chance to protect abortion during election year
News

These 9 states have the chance to protect abortion this election — Here's what you can do

Constitutional amendments to protect abortion are on the ballot in 4 states, and 5 other states still need your signature.

health care worker syringle vial dose Jynneos mpox smallpox monkeypox vaccine clinic Long Beach City College California
Health

Jynneos mpox vaccine now commercially available ahead of Pride Month

It’s now possible to get the previously scarce and complicated-to-access vaccine at one’s local pharmacy.

Kristen Clarke Assistant Attorney General Civil Rights US Department of Justice speaks on stage National Urban League Conference Plenary II State of Black America Houston Texas
Transgender

DOJ sues Utah for discriminating against incarcerated trans woman who self-castrated

People with gender dysphoria are protected by the Americans With Disabilities Act, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, and their rights "are not given up at the jailhouse door."

Lizelle Gonzalez mugshot Starr County Sheriffs Office misoprostol abortion pills texas state flag
News

A Texas woman was charged with murder for having an abortion. Now, she's suing the state

Lizelle Gonzalez spent two nights in jail after being charged with murder in “the death of an individual by self-induced abortion."
Alanis Morissette mae martin elliot page kd lang fight transphobia
Politics

Elliot Page, Allison Russell & Mae Martin among 400+ artists bashing 'destructive' anti-trans laws

Carly Rae Jepsen, Elliot Page,and Mae Martin are among over 400 celebrities that have signed a letter opposing to the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Canada.

Abolish ICE signs Anti Trump Immigration Policy Rally Armstrong Park New Orleans Transgender Latina woman Arely Westley Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Award winner
News

Trans Latina woman fighting to shut down ICE facilities honored with human rights award

Arely Westley, this year's recipient of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, tells The Advocate about this "crucial moment" in time for queer and immigrant communities.

Dr. Rachel Levine
Voices

Listen to Dr. Levine: Take syphilis seriously

Dr. Rachel Levine, the transgender Assistant Secretary for Health, has a warning everyone in our community should heed.
Getty Museum blood exhibit
Art

Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination, revulsion with blood

A new art exhibit examines long-held fears of violence, illness, and even menstruation.

Sacramento Transgender Sanctuary City Queer Rainbow Umbrellas LGBTQ Pride Parade California State Capitol Building
Politics

It's unanimous — Sacramento is now a sanctuary city for transgender people

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg said that "we debate the many issues in our city, but there's no shade of gray when it comes to civil rights."

LGBTQ+ mental health crisis text line
News

Election season got you down? This crisis line is soothing LGBTQ+ mental health (exclusive)

As lawmakers target the community, the need for mental health services skyrockets. FOLX Health CEO Liana Douillet Guzmán tells The Advocate about a new service that's helping.

abortion ban fall out planned parenthood LGBTQ pride parade contingent oakland california
News

'Fractured landscape:' Abortions in the U.S. are increasing, despite 'drastic' bans

Despite abortion restrictions being implemented in 21 states since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortions are increasing in the U.S.

Kate Middleton Princess Whales Stomach Cancer Announcement
News

White House, LGBTQ+ community express support after Princess Kate reveals shocking cancer diagnosis

In a deeply personal video, Princess Catherine shared her struggle with cancer, sparking a wave of support from the White House to a pub in D.C.

Anti transgender hate crimes public health emergency Transgender Day of Remembrance community memorial vigil
Crime

Anti-transgender hate crimes spike, leading to calls for a public health emergency

An Advocate data analysis found that in Los Angeles County and across the country, hate crimes against transgender people are reaching historic highs.
LGBTQ cancer patient sick hospital bed
Health

Homophobia can 'increase cancer risk' in LGBTQ+ people, report finds

The American Cancer Society has found that queer people frequently experience "minority stress" in health care settings, leading to an "elevated prevalence" of cancer risk factors.

anti LGBTQ agenda negative impact overall health equality lgbtq equality protest SCOTUS
Health

Unfilled prescriptions, missed checkups, loneliness: States' anti-LGBTQ+ moves affect health

Most of the extreme bills have failed to pass, but trans adults are watching statehouses with heightened anxiety.