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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
LGBTQ Two-Spirit

LGBTQ-Two Spirit Workgroup

In 2010, the Indian Health Service (IHS) and its tribal, community, and federal partners united to create the LGBTQ-Two Spirit workgroup in order to advance the equality, health status, and well-being of all LGBTQ-Two Spirit American Indian/Alaska Native individuals (AI/AN), their families, and their communities.

The mission of IHS is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of all AI/ANs to the highest level, and our goal is to ensure that comprehensive, culturally acceptable personal and public health services are available and accessible. The LGBTQ-Two Spirit population has unique healthcare needs, is at greater risk for multiple health threats, and often experiences low quality care due to a variety of factors, including discrimination. All people should receive health services that are formulated to address their particular circumstances and meet their individual needs.

LGBTQ-Two Spirit individuals are part of our AI/AN communities and families. According to a 2013 Pew Research Center survey, 87 percent of Americans know someone who is gay or lesbian. The LGBTQ-Two Spirit Workgroup offers advice to IHS leadership in order to ensure that LGBTQ-Two Spirit AI/ANs, their families, and the communities where they live receive equal access to health services by providing enhanced resources for LGBTQ-Two Spirit health issues. The workgroup makes recommendations to IHS leadership on the development of information regarding LGBTQ-Two Spirit health needs, and works to close the LGBTQ-Two Spirit health disparities gap that currently exists.

Workgroup Priorities:

  • Connecting IHS LGBTQ-Two Spirit consumers with quality care, including:
  • Non-discrimination protections;
  • Gender transition-related care;
  • Health and human service provider training specific to the elimination of stigma;
  • Enhancing Electronic Health Records;
  • Cultural Competency with a focus on AI/AN LGBTQ-Two Spirit Health and Well-Being; and
  • Improving IHS data to enhance LGBTQ-Two Spirit Health and Well-Being.

Attention Focused on the Following:

  • Youth and Young Adults;
  • Anti-bullying;
  • reducing violence against against LGBTQ-Two Spirit youth and young adults; and
  • ensuring that their civil and human rights are respected;
  • Family/Community Acceptance Education; and
  • Elder LBGT-Two Spirit Care.

Join the LBGTQ-Two Spirit Workgroup by contacting Rick Haverkate