New York, NY — This June, Planned Parenthood proudly celebrates the resilience and strength of LGBTQ communities by joining efforts to stand up, push forward, and organize for change. As we continue to fight back against those who wish to undo the progress of the last half century, we stand with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the fight for full equality — many of whom turn to Planned Parenthood for health care, information, and education.
As the nation's leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate, Planned Parenthood provides quality and nonjudgmental health care services and educational outreach for all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression, and/or gender identity. This June, and every month, we take pride in providing compassionate and affordable health care for LGBTQ people in our communities, including cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, birth control, abortion, and other services. At Planned Parenthood, our doors are open to everyone who needs access to health care in a safe and welcoming place.
"At Planned Parenthood, we open our doors to all in need, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. LGBTQ people are our patients, our supporters, and our staff, and the fight for LGBTQ rights is critical in the fight for equality and justice for all," said Dr. Leana Wen, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. "All people everywhere deserve high-quality, affordable health care and compassionate, nonjudgmental sexual health information. During this Pride Month, Planned Parenthood reaffirms our commitment to providing health care that supports all identities, families, and sexualities. We will continue to champion the right of all to make their own personal health care decisions with dignity."
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, the event that sparked the modern LGBTQ rights movement. Despite the progress in the years since Stonewall, LGBTQ people still face discrimination and violence. We've seen truly appalling bills and rhetoric targeting LGBTQ communities, especially transgender and gender-nonconforming people, in recent years. Since taking office, the Trump-Pence administration has been systematically attacking people's health and rights, and passing policies that take away the rights of people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, and women.
Most recently, the Trump-Pence administration released a final rule that would allow health care workers to put their beliefs ahead of people's health by refusing to provide care or information to patients. If it takes effect, this dangerous rule puts patients' health at risk, especially for women and LGBTQ people.
"Everyone deserves good health care. Everyone deserves a sex life that is healthy, happy, and free from shame and stigma. Everyone deserves a health care provider who understands your needs and respects you," said Dr. Wen. "As we continue to fight back against those who wish to take this country backwards, Planned Parenthood reaffirms our commitment to building a world where no one experiences discrimination or violence because of their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation."
Planned Parenthood health centers provide vital health care services for all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression, and/or gender identity. Whether you're gay or straight, trans or cis, you can come to us quality, affordable, nonjudgmental health care, including cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, birth control, abortion, and other services. To learn more or find a health center near you, go to plannedparenthood.org .
Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.
—From a press release
