Tomorrow the National Council of Jewish Women will hold a forum on issues facing lesbians today, with a focus on health care. The free event will be held Wednesday, September 12, 2012, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the NCJW building on Fairfax Avenue.
According to the NCJW:
The risk factors for certain medical conditions are more prevalent for lesbians and bisexual women than for heterosexual women. Yet these segments of the population face unique challenges when seeking health care.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Anne-Marie Williams of the California Lesbian Project. Panelists will address questions such as “Why is it often difficult to discuss sexual orientation, identity, sexual behavior, or gender identity at a medical visit?” and “Does bias against lesbians in medical settings reduce access to medical care?” Scheduled speakers include:
- Lorri L. Jean, CEO, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
- Allison L. Diamant, MD, MSHS, Professor in the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
- J. Denise Fuller, MSW, LCSW
- Lieutenant Yana Horvatich, Robbery-Homicide Division, Officer-in-Charge, Special Assault Section, Los Angeles Police Department
- Cheryl Newman-Tarwater, Operations Lieutenant, West Hollywood Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
According to NCJW/LA Director of Advocacy Ruth Williams, studies have found that even women who wanted to discuss their sexuality with physicians didn’t feel comfortable doing so. “This causes many missed opportunities to test, treat, educate, and advocate regarding medical and social problems for the lesbian community,” she said. “This program will educate the community on its rights regarding these issues.”
The event is co-sponsored by NCJW/LA, the City of West Hollywood Human Services Commission, California Lesbian Project, Los Angeles Police Department, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. For more information or to RSVP, contact Williams at 323-852-8503 or ruth@ncjwla.org.
