In the United States, 5.6% of adults identify as LGBTQIA+, up from 4.5% in 2017, according to a 2021 Gallup Poll. As part of Pride Month in June, and to encourage and train mental health clinicians and other healthcare professionals interested in caring for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and agender (LGBTQIA+) community, the Healthy Lee Behavioral Health Coalition of SWFL will host a one-day conference for healthcare practitioners in our area.

The June 28 event called Pride, Not Prejudice will feature eight speakers who will present on a variety of topics. The conference will be held virtually and in-person at Collaboratory at 2031 Jackson St. in Fort Myers from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is free to attend and a continental breakfast and lunch will be served.

“This event is an opportunity to raise awareness and create a space for open and supportive conversations so every patient at Lee Health and beyond feels accepted, understood and valued,” said Dr. Selynto Anderson, Lee Health’s chief equity and inclusion officer. “The more we can do to foster acceptance and compassion, the sooner we can help those in the LGBTQIA+ community feel comfortable seeking access to healthcare services and find the support they need.”

The Healthy Lee Behavioral Health Coalition hopes the conference will be a yearly event to train mental health professionals and clinicians who work with or are interested in working with the LGBTQIA+ community.

The goals of the event are to cultivate best practices, increase access to care, and address the health inequities in this population.

The conference will also expose behavioral healthcare providers and others to the cultural dynamics of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“The LGBTQIA+ community has its own culture, too. For healthcare professionals who are unfamiliar with this specific patient population, the conference is designed to provide learning and education,” said licensed clinical social worker Adam Larivee, who will also be the keynote speaker. “Ultimately, we wish to empower people to be their authentic selves, to enable healthcare practitioners to actively support their LGBTQIA+ patients and to create a positive culture resulting in a sustainable change for queer identities.”

Upon completion of the conference, CEUs and a certificate of attendance will be offered.

Please RSVP by Friday, June 23, and email Samantha.Selbach@leehealth.org for more information.

Topics and presenters include:

n Keynote speaker: LGBTQIA+ Youth In Crisis, Adam Larivee

n Event Moderator: Alyssa Lemay

n Domestic Violence: The Double Closet with Dr. Laura Streyffeler

n Unique Cultural Perspectives with Arlene Goldberg, Chantel Rhodes and Freyr Felis

n Diversity and Inclusion Practices with Emily Nanna and Kathryn Webster

n History of Pride with Alyssa Lemay

n Q&A Panel Discussion

About Lee Health

Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Health care services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.