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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.

Doctor and teen patient
News

The Science Says It: Gender-Affirming Care Saves Young Trans Lives

A new study adds more evidence to back up what LGBTQ+ advocates have been pointing out for years.

KY gel
News

Masturbation Dates Back to 40 Million Years Ago in Primates: Study

The sexual behavior may have evolved to help decrease acquiring sexually transmitted infections.

Rachel Levin, pride flag
Voices

5 Tips for a Healthy, Happy Pride Month from Adm. Rachel Levine

"I’m urging all of us to use this Pride Month to assess our health and take the right steps to protect ourselves," she writes.

Jojo Siwa on Joining Forces With the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Rocket Fund
Health

Jojo Siwa on Joining Forces With the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Rocket Fund

The initiative is a $125 million campaign to redouble the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Stop Drinking Poppers Instead of Energy Shots, FDA Warns
Health

Stop Drinking Poppers Instead of Energy Shots, FDA Warns

That's one way to get a rush.

Gerda Zinner and doctor's office
Law

Tennessee Sued Over Assault on Trans Health Care

This is unlawful discrimination, says the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, which is representing two trans women in the suit.

Mpox vials
Health

Navigating Mpox: How to Prepare for Pride Season

A year after the painful infection surfaced in the U.S., Biden administration officials are confident they can keep the virus under control with the public’s help.

health
Voices

Bisexual People Have Worse Health Outcomes Than LGTQ+ People — Why?

Disparities within this community persist.

PrEP pills
Law

Texas Judge’s Ruling That Threatens PrEP Access Paused by Appeals Court

The court issued a stay that will last for the duration of the government’s appeal in the case.

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Man giving blood.
Health

Gay & Bisexual Men Now Eligible to Donate Blood Under New FDA Policies

The agency has moved toward risk-based assessments as opposed to discriminatory bans based on gender or sexual orientation.

Blood donation concept art of man with bandage on his arm
News

FDA Updates Blood Donation Rules Opening Path for More Gay Donors

All prospective donors who report having a new sexual partner or anal sex in the last three months will have to defer donations for three months.

Sad young person
Health

Mental Health Crisis Among LGBTQ+ Youth Continues — But It Doesn't Have To

Acceptance at school and home makes a big difference, says a new Trevor Project report.
People walking along a path with a blended-in trans pride flag
News

U.S. Facing Growing Extremism in Denying Care to Transgender People: Report

A recent report has found that transgender people’s gender-affirming care is in peril at an alarmingly high rate.

Middle Eastern, North African LGBTQ Youth Report High Risk of Suicide Attempts
Health

Middle Eastern, North African LGBTQ Youth Report High Risk of Suicide Attempts

The findings are part of a research brief by the Trevor Project.

Why Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth in One City Engage in Survival Sex
News

Why Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth in One City Engage in Survival Sex

Local advocates believe a shelter for LGBTQ+ youth would help stop the practice.

Mpox
Health

90 Percent of Mpox-Related Deaths Were Black Men With Weakened Immune Systems: CDC

Forty-two people in the U.S. have died from mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.

Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld
Health

Meet the Gay Combat Vet Who Will Run the American Medical Association

Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld on LGBTQ+ health and his plans to protect trans and queer youth.

Young person sleeping
Health

Queer Kids Experience More Sleep Problems Than Straight Ones: Study

This is likely due to the stress caused by discrimination, bullying, and lack of family support, researchers say.
New Study Finds Increase in LGBTQ+ Intimate Partner Violence Following Pandemic
Health

LGBTQ+ Intimate Partner Violence on the Rise Post-Pandemic: Study

The study’s authors called for more research on the problem of LGBTQ+ intimate partner abuse.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre
LGBT youth

White House Announces Crisis Hotline for LGBTQ+ Youth

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced the option during Thursday’s White House press briefing.