In this issue, we highlight our own research! Wyoming Equality’s Healthcare Access Project is a research-driven effort, and, since the last assessment of this kind was conducted two years ago, it’s imperative that

Please consider taking the needs assessment by clicking here.

-WE Staff

There is no question that the people who make up the LGBTQ community of the Cowboy State are strong and resilient, but even the strongest people still need reliable and compassionate healthcare in order to be their best. Healthcare struggles are strikingly common throughout our nation, and LGBTQ communities are no different. In fact, people who identify as LGBTQ statistically suffer higher rates of mental health problems, inappropriate substance use, and certain physical health maladies than their comparably-aged cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. These disparities stem from a series of root problems that include, but are not limited to, societal stigmatization, discrimination, and a lack of the kind of healthcare services that are both affirming of someone’s particular identity and knowledgeable of the impact that that identity may have on the person’s health outcomes.

Wyoming, like the rest of the United States, faces the pressing challenge of addressing the unique and ever-changing healthcare and social service needs of LGBTQ individuals, but with added challenges due to our geography, rural nature, and the social and political climate of today. But what are the facts of living as an LBGTQ person in Wyoming when it comes to healthcare, truly? To shed light on these questions and to better inform our future healthcare work, the Wyoming Equality Healthcare Access Project, or WEHAP, is undertaking a pioneering initiative—a comprehensive healthcare needs assessment survey focused on LGBTQ individuals living across the state of Wyoming. This will be the second needs assessment of this type done here at Wyoming Equality, and other organizations have done similar work, such as Casper Pride, in collaboration with the organization Waller Hall. This survey will ask respondents about demographic information, insurance quality, physical and mental healthcare issues, experiences, and other pertinent information. Respondents’ answers will remain completely anonymous.

By examining the demographics and medical realities of LGBTQ individuals in Wyoming, we aim to gather critical data that will guide us in developing targeted interventions and advocating for equitable access to inclusive healthcare and support services. The WEHAP Needs Assessment survey is a collaborative effort that brings together stakeholders and experts from various fields, including LGBTQ advocacy organizations, multicultural organizations, physical and mental healthcare professionals, researchers, and community leaders. The valuable insights and expertise we gathered from collaborating with this range of experts and leaders informed the creation of a comprehensive and accessible questionnaire that delves into the healthcare realities and experiences of LGBTQ individuals across the state.

The survey will be distributed through various channels, ensuring a broad reach and representation across different age groups, geographical locations, and intersections of identity within the LGBTQ community. Our goal is to hear the voices and experiences of Wyoming LGBTQ individuals from all walks of life, so that we can most effectively recognize both the rich diversity and the unique challenges they face. By conducting this needs assessment survey, our goal is to go beyond anecdotal evidence of healthcare challenges faced by our community. Rather, we will focus on gathering robust quantitative data that can serve as a foundation for future work, which may include advocacy for policy reforms, education of local healthcare providers about LGBTQ+ cultural competency, and empowerment of community organizations to create safe and inclusive spaces. This data will enable us to pinpoint the areas where LGBTQ+ individuals in Wyoming encounter obstacles and identify gaps in healthcare and social services. The ultimate goal of this needs assessment survey is to pave the way for positive change. 

 The survey will be live and open for responses during the month of June, just in time for Pride Month, and will be accessible via smartphone or computer. Keep an eye out for Wyoming Equality while visiting your local LBGTQ Pride event for information on how to access this important survey for yourself. Information on the needs assessment will also be posted on our various social media accounts.