Health is a key element of our lives and struggles. Everyone should have equal access to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, without discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT health includes the physical, mental, psychological and emotional well being of LGBT people; the well being of mind, body and soul. In many parts of the world LGBT people lack access to services, information, and health education relevant to our experiences, and finding this information can be an uncomfortable, frightening, or unsafe experience.
The health theme will also address the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. Access to information, adequate health services and freedom of expression for LGBT people are crucial goals to achieve in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. The conference will provide space for sharing experiences and good practices, networking and alliance building, as steps to collectively conquer the different and parallel health problems we face in different countries.
The following are examples of issues that could be addressed in the health theme:
- Health strategies and media
- Lesbian and bisexual women’s health
- LGBT youth and health: heteronormative structures and the impact on LGBT youth (physical and mental health issues)
- Mental health
- HIV pandemic
- Medical abuse