Staying Healthy

You deserve to feel good! Everyone deserves to live well, joyfully, and with purpose. But with the struggles facing LGBTQ folks it can be even harder to achieve this goal. Sometimes it just takes a little reaching out, learning, or connecting with someone else who knows what you’re going through. Below are tips for facing the tough times in life and making the most of the good times! 

How Healthy Are We?
Stress Reduction
Safe Sex
End Smoking
Drink Smart
Substance Abuse

How Healthy Are We?

Did you know that LGBTQ Missourians are more than twice as likely to not receive needed medical care or surgery and 1.5 times more likely to be uninsured than the general population? And that LGBTQ Missourians of color experience negative health outcomes at even higher rates? 

We know we have a lot of work to do to eliminate these health disparities, among so many others. But, the more we know, the more we can do. Learn about where we are now and help us take the next steps toward healthier LGBTQ communities in Missouri. 

Stress Reduction

Modern life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations, and demands. In small doses, stress can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do your best, but for some people unhealthy stress becomes a way of life. When you’re constantly running in emergency mode, your mind and body pay the price. You can protect yourself by recognizing the signs and symptoms of stress and taking steps to reduce its harmful effects. 

Safe Sex

Safe sex is sexy and there are plenty of fun ways to do it! From consent to condoms, dental dams to dildos, and masturbation to monogamy, we’ve got your safe sex tips right here.

End Smoking

Let’s check out some real numbers. In the state of Missouri, LGBTQ people smoke at nearly 2.5 times the rate of our straight neighbors. And if you haven’t noticed, we’re living in a state with high smoking rates anyway. LGBTQ people are dying every day because of the decision to smoke.  

For many people, they start smoking as a way to join a community, but can’t we find a better way to come together without sharing a cigarette? As LGBTQ people, we overcome struggles and oppression in all its forms to show our pride and beauty and strength – is it really all just to die from smoking? 

Below are tips on how to stop smoking and more information on the dangers smoking causes.  

DRink Smart

Like most things, drinking is something that can be done responsibly or irresponsibly. We’re going to go out on a limb here and assume you’d like to fall in the responsible camp on this one – and congratulations on an excellent choice! Drinking can be a tasty, entertaining, and relaxing pastime and recognizing some simple boundaries can make it all the better.

Check out some tips and tricks to make the most out of your drinking without being that guy.

Subtance Abuse

Substance abuse and addiction are considerably higher in the LGBTQ community than in the general population. And when it comes to talking about drug and alcohol abuse in our communities, we’re not doing a great job. If we don’t talk about it, it won’t go away.

As we learn about the motivations and health choices of LGBTQ people, more and more resources are coming available. Check out some national data on the issues and learn more about what addiction in the LGBTQ community looks like. And, if you need help, it’s here.