By Jasmine May

Each June, the LGBTQIA+ community celebrates Pride Month which started after the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York. Pride Month serves as a tribute to the history and influence of the community worldwide while also standing against discrimination and violence. It increases the visibility of LGBTQIA+ individuals, celebrates diversity in gender and identity, and advocates for equal rights.

How is emergency management involved?

During emergency events and situations, LGBTQIA+ communities as well as communities of color and single parents are among the highest impacted during disasters and emergency situations. Health centers frequently function as a vital resource and need to prioritize emergency preparedness by taking into account the diverse needs of these communities.

Here are some resources when it comes to emergency preparedness in the LGBTQIA+ community:

• https://aspr.hhs.gov/at-risk/Pages/LGBTQI.aspx
• https://lgbtq-ta-center.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/LGBTQ-August-2020-Equity-News.pdf
• https://lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/Emergency-Preparedness-for-LGBT-People-Final.pdf