Imagine a place where you feel heard, safe, and accepted for who you are. A place where you are able to receive support in accessing affirming care, mapping out health goals, and supplies to ensure your survival in a world that wasn't built for you. That is what The Equi Institute provides.
LGBTQAI2S+ people worldwide face higher rates of discrimination, micro- and macro-aggressions, violence, and social stigma. This discrimination results in higher rates of unemployment, poverty, houselessness, stress, as well as deeply impacting both physical and mental health. LGBTQAI2S+ individuals face significant health disparities due to this discrimination, with a notably higher risk for anxiety, depression, heavier substance use, as well as subsequent risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer, HIV, diabetes, suicide, and other major health concerns. Equi Institute believes culturally-affirming, trauma-informed care for queer and transgender people is injury prevention.
We understand the difference between equitable access and equal access. Queer and trans folks don’t just deserve equal access to a one-size-fits-all model that does not account for their unique circumstances and needs. They deserve equitable access that accounts for and redresses unequal social determinants of health.
As an LGBTQAI2S+ run operation, our focus is building networks of solidarity and care that prevent people from slipping through the cracks.
Make your gift today to help us continue to provide inclusive, safety net care for a community that is actively under attack. Your contribution provides hope and an opportunity for our most underserved community members to go beyond surviving and into thriving.