California LGBTQ HHS Network Hosts a Virtual Health Convening
California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network Hosts a Virtual Convening on LGBTQ Health and Wellness with Experts from Across California
The fully-virtual, free event kicks off Monday, August 9
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Aug 5, 2021) – The California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network (CA LGBTQ HHS Network) will host a virtual health convening from August 9-13. The event will bring together LGBTQ community leaders across California who are dedicated to improving the health and wellness of their communities. Participants will have a chance to strengthen relationships with other LGBTQ leaders and build skills related to health and human services program development, policy engagement, and advocacy strategies that they can bring back to their local communities.
Featuring a mix of preconferences, workshops, panels, and community building, the virtual convening will support network building, statewide coalition relationships, and mentoring opportunities. The event will also feature By Us For Us Sharing Discussions on creating nonbinary support groups, redirecting law enforcement budgets to community care, and how to start a hormone clinic – just to name a few! Participants will also learn new skills to improve the health, mental health, and well-being of LGBTQ people in their communities.
The We Breathe Pre-Conference will offer an opportunity to discuss the intersections between tobacco-use and broader aspects of our health. We will explore how the health disparities connected to tobacco-use are rooted in racial, gender, and economic inequities.
The last time the CA LGBTQ HHS Network hosted their health convening was in 2019. They had to cancel in 2020 due to the pandemic but now they’ve decided to host the convening virtually.
“The health and wellness of our communities is of utmost importance. Many in our communities remain at risk of contracting COVID-19 and others are navigating reentering the world after a traumatic year,” stated Network Director, Amanda McAllister-Wallner. “Moving the event to a virtual setting provides more accessibility for interested attendees, and the best part is that it’s free unlike prior years!”
The last day of the convening will feature Shakina Nayfack as keynote speaker. “I am honored to be giving the keynote address at the 2021 California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Convening. I’ll be sharing about my own mental health journey and offering my hopes and vision for a future where holistic mental and physical wellness is a right for every queer person,” Nayfack stated on Twitter.
The Network is excited to bring together health experts and advocates for a whole week dedicated to LGTBQ health & wellness. Interested in attending? Registration is available on Eventbrite.
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The California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network is a statewide coalition of non-profit providers, community centers, & researchers working collectively to advocate for state level policies & resources that will advance LGBTQ health. We strive to provide coordinated leadership about LGBTQ health policy in a proactive, responsive manner that promotes health & wellness as part of the movement for LGBTQ equality.
The LGBTQ Health & Human Services Convening is presented by the California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network, We Breathe, #Out4MentalHealth, ACEs Aware, & the California Department of Public Health.